Casualties unknown

2002-10-15: DE Havilland DHC-8-102 (N847EX) — Allegheny Airlines — Albany, NY

Albany, NY, US

On October 15, 2002, a DE Havilland DHC-8-102 (registration N847EX) operated by Allegheny Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Albany, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight collision with birds. A factor was the night conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

While descending through 4,000 feet at night, a bird flock illuminated by approach lights was struck. Aircraft landed normally, but inspection revealed bird strikes on the vertical stabilizer and right wing, with fuel leaking from a penetrated tank.

Incident Details

The airplane was descending through 4,000 feet mean sea level at an indicated airspeed of 200 knots on a dark night in visual meteorological conditions. The approach lights of the destination airport illuminated a flock of birds directly ahead of the aircraft. The autopilot was disconnected, but there was insufficient time to avoid contact with multiple birds.

Post-Contact Actions

After the bird strike, the flight crew checked the airplane for controllability. No problems were noted, and a normal landing was subsequently performed.

Damage Inspection

An after landing inspection revealed bird strikes on the base of the vertical stabilizer. Additionally, a bird strike was found on the right wing, approximately 6 feet outboard of the engine. The right wing fuel tank was penetrated, and fuel was observed leaking from the right wing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021029X05398. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.