On September 4, 2003, a Fokker F.28 MK 0100 (registration N1450A) was involved in an aviation accident near Flushing, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight collision with birds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, an airplane struck a large flock of Canadian geese, leading to right engine failure and an emergency landing. Examination revealed multiple bird strike damage including a separated fan blade that penetrated the fuselage.
Incident Summary
After takeoff, the airplane encountered a large flock of Canadian geese. The crew reported hearing a series of loud noises, followed by the failure of the right engine. The airplane subsequently made an emergency landing at a nearby airport.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the incident revealed damage to the nose, fuselage, and right engine consistent with multiple bird strikes. The right engine fan blades were deformed and had received leading edge impact damage. One fan blade had separated at the root. Additionally, a hole was found in the right engine inlet duct, which coincided with a penetration in the fuselage above the aft-most window on the right side of the airplane. The blade that penetrated the fuselage was not recovered.