What happened
On March 24, 2019, a private Vans RV-6A, registration OY-RVA, was conducting a VFR flight from Roskilde (EKRK) toward Valby. While cruising at 1,200 feet with an airspeed of 120 knots over Himmelev, the pilot spotted two cormorants flying at a higher altitude, seemingly on a path that appeared safe.
During a brief period where the pilot checked the engine instruments, one of the birds altered its trajectory and flew directly into the aircraft. The pilot was unable to execute an evasive maneuver before the impact occurred. The collision caused the aircraft's canopy to shatter, after which the bird struck the rear bulkhead of the cockpit. Following the strike, the pilot reduced speed and contacted Roskilde Tower to report the incident. The aircraft subsequently returned to EKRK and landed safely on runway 29 with no injuries reported.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact and the resulting damage to the airframe. The examination established that the collision with the bird led to significant damage, specifically the destruction of the canopy and the deformation of the rear bulkhead and its associated frames. Following an initial safety investigation, the Danish Accident Investigation Board decided not to pursue further formal proceedings.