Incident Overview
On November 24, 2013, at approximately 2040 EST, a De Havilland DHC-8-102, registration N808EX, operated by Piedmont Airlines as flight 4314, encountered a flock of birds during descent into Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The aircraft was about 16 miles north of KPHL at approximately 4,000 feet mean sea level when multiple birds impacted the fuselage and wing. None of the 40 passengers and crew aboard were injured, but the airplane was substantially damaged.
Flight Details
The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger service between Greater Binghamton Airport (KBGM), Binghamton, New York, and KPHL. The flight crew notified air traffic control of the bird strike but did not declare an emergency.
Cockpit Crew Statement
The captain, serving as the pilot flying, reported that flight conditions were night visual meteorological conditions with no moon. The flight crew stated they were at 4,000 feet msl at about 190 knots airspeed on the downwind leg for runway 26 when the bird strike occurred. They heard multiple thuds and observed some of the birds through the windshield. After the impacts, the crew checked instruments, disconnected the autopilot, and assessed flight characteristics, noting no changes. The first officer informed ATC of the bird strike without declaring an emergency. The flight landed uneventfully at KPHL.
Aircraft Damage
Post-flight maintenance inspection revealed substantial damage to the left front wing spar, left wing skin, and vertical stabilizer deice boot.
Location and Time
The event occurred about 16 miles north of KPHL at approximately 4,000 feet msl. The time was about 2040 EST. The aircraft was on a downwind leg for runway 26 at the time of the strike.