Incident
On November 4, 2009, at approximately 0750 mountain standard time, a Beech C-99 (registration N330AV) operated by Ameriflight, LLC, encountered a bird strike during descent into Show Low Regional Airport (SOW) in Show Low, Arizona. The aircraft was conducting a cross-country cargo flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, having departed Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) about 0715.
Sequence of Events
According to the operator, shortly after the pilot began the descent into SOW, while at an altitude of about 11,000 feet mean sea level, a bird struck the upper portion of the left pilot’s side windshield. The impact created an approximately 11-inch by 8-inch hole, sending bird fragments and glass into the cockpit area. The remaining glass in the windshield was shattered and appeared almost opaque. Despite the damage, the pilot continued the descent and landed the airplane without further incident.
Investigation
Remains of the bird were recovered from the aircraft and sent to the Smithsonian Institute for identification. Test results identified the bird as a Western Grebe, a species with an average weight of 3.3 pounds.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained minor damage to the left front pilot windshield. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries.