Incident Overview
On October 18, 2010, at 1253 central daylight time, a Beech A100 multiengine airplane, registration N1TR, experienced a bird strike while descending near Palestine, Texas. The aircraft, owned and operated by the Trinity River Authority of Texas, was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan for a public use flight. It had departed Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY) at 1225 and was en route to Palestine Municipal Airport (PSN).
Flight Details
The airplane was descending through 4,000 feet in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) when it struck multiple birds. The pilot reported a shudder upon impact, but the aircraft remained controllable and handling was not adversely affected. The flight crew elected to return to GKY, where they landed without further incident. The five occupants—the pilot, co-pilot, and three passengers—were not injured.
Damage Assessment
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing leading edge and spar outboard of the stall fence. The leading edge of the vertical stabilizer sustained minor damage. Bird remains and feathers were found near the damaged area of the left wing and the vertical fin of the tail section.