What happened
On February 14, 2022, a pilot was conducting a solo navigation flight in a Tecnam P2002JF, registration CS-ECR, traveling from Castelo Branco to Évora. While cruising at approximately 2800ft MSL and 90 knots near Nisa, Portugal, the aircraft collided with a large bird. The impact occurred at roughly 1600ft AGL.
Following the collision, the pilot initiated a descent to stabilize the aircraft. Although the pilot initially considered diverting to Ponte de Sor, an assessment of the aircraft's integrity led to the decision to continue to the original destination, Évora. The strike caused significant visibility and audio issues due to the broken windshield. To manage the emergency, the pilot positioned themselves on the right side of the cockpit to maintain visibility and followed guidance from air traffic services, eventually completing a safe landing.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the nature of the impact and the aircraft's structural response. The investigation identified the bird as a probable Golden Eagle (*Aquila chrysaetos*), a species common in the mountainous regions of Portugal that utilizes thermal currents for hunting. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's certification, noting that the Tecnam P2002JF complies with CS-VLA requirements, which mandate that windshield materials must not cause serious injury through splintering upon breakage.
Findings
- The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, including the destruction of the acrylic windshield and its frame, structural deformation of the right side of the canopy, damage to the left instrument panel and its cover, and minor damage to a propeller blade.
- The pilot, who had approximately 91 flight hours, remained uninjured.
- The strike occurred in an area prone to large bird concentrations due to the proximity of the Serra de São Miguel mountains.
- The impact with a large bird of prey was the primary cause of the structural damage and subsequent flight difficulties.