What happened
On October 16, 2012, at 16:22 local time, a Britten Norman BN-2B-20, registration JA532 and 24, was performing an unscheduled flight from Aguni Airport to Naha Airport. The aircraft was carrying the pilot in command and nine passengers. During the initial taxi phase, the pilot observed a bird with a fish in its beak on the runway shoulder and maneuvered the aircraft slightly to avoid it.
Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 3 meters above the runway, the pilot observed an object approaching from the right. Although no immediate impact or vibration was felt, a subsequent inspection revealed that the aircraft had struck a bird. Upon landing at Naha Airport, a mechanic discovered a significant dent on the leading edge of the right wing, accompanied by slight bloodstains.
The investigation
The investigation established that the bird involved was an osprey, a fish-eating species, weighing approximately 1.7 kg. A dead osprey was later located on the runway by airport staff. The investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the pilot's observations, and the airport's wildlife management protocols.
Investigators noted that while the airport conducted regular patrols and grass mowing, a specific bird strike control program—including a formal wildlife hazard assessment—had not yet been developed for the facility. Furthermore, the scheduled bird patrol intended for the period 30 minutes prior to the flight could not be performed because the runway was occupied by other training activities at that time.
Findings
- The Britten Norman BN-2B-20 sustained substantial damage, including a 100cm wide and 3cm deep deformation on the right wing leading edge.
- The pilot likely failed to perceive the impact due to the high engine and propeller noise during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing leading edge due to a bird strike occurring immediately after takeoff.
- The airport's wildlife strike prevention measures were active, but the facility lacked a comprehensive wildlife strike control program as recommended by international standards.