Incident Overview
On May 10, 2008, at approximately 1730 Alaska daylight time, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 airplane, registration N62355, collided with a large bird during the landing approach. The accident occurred about three-quarters of a mile southwest of the Juneau International Seaplane base in Juneau, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. The operator was Ward Air Inc., based in Juneau.
Flight Details
The flight originated from the Funter Bay Seaplane base at approximately 1700. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airline transport certificated pilot and the two passengers were not injured.
Damage and Reporting
The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector from the Juneau Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), who reported on May 13, 2008, the operator informed him that the bird strike caused structural damage to the right wing leading edge. The pilot did not submit an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report.