Incident Overview
On the morning of 19 September 2022, a pilot operating an Air Tractor AT-502B aircraft, registered VH-KDR, for Smart Air Services was conducting aerial spray operations near Chinchilla, Queensland. After the spray company became concerned due to an inability to contact the pilot, nearby farmers were alerted to assist. The aircraft was subsequently found in the paddock being sprayed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) conducted an investigation into the accident. The ATSB determined that while the pilot was performing a spray run parallel to the paddock fence line at approximately 8 ft above ground level, a large bird, identified as an Australian bustard, struck the right Perspex windshield. The impact shattered the windshield, and the bird carcass was found inside the aircraft.
Site examination revealed that after the birdstrike, the aircraft continued flying for a further 310 m, or about 5 seconds. The aircraft's ground speed on previous spray runs and up to the last recorded data point indicated that the aircraft was likely traveling at about 116 kt (200 km/h) at the time of the strike. The collision energy was sufficient to break the right windshield, as evidenced by biological residue and broken windshield pieces.
The wingspan of the Australian bustard (total 15.8 m) exceeded the aircraft's height of 8 ft AGL. Based on the expected track and speed, and the location of the bird's wings found approximately 310 m north of the wreckage, it was likely that the aircraft entered a short climb after the strike, resulting in a near-vertical attitude at impact, indicative of a loss of control. Significant damage to the pilot's helmet and a small amount of bird biological residue in the visor were also noted.
The ATSB could not determine exactly what occurred during the 5-second period following the birdstrike, as no flight data was recorded and the extent of the pilot's injuries from the strike was unknown. It remained uncertain whether the pilot sustained incapacitation due to a direct bird impact or experienced startle or distraction. However, excluding a pre-existing medical condition, the ATSB concluded that the birdstrike likely affected the pilot's ability to control the aircraft at low level, leading to a loss of control and collision with terrain.
Safety Context
Birdstrikes are relatively common, with over 1,300 occurrences reported to the ATSB in 2022. While most strikes result in minor or no damage and injuries, this accident was one of two confirmed fatal birdstrike accidents in Australia. The incident highlights the hazards of birdstrikes, particularly during low-level spraying operations. The ATSB referenced published recommended practices from the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group (2014) for managing wildlife strike risk, including consideration of wildlife likelihood, proximity, and characteristics, as well as pilot protections such as flight helmets, 4-point seatbelts, and thicker windshields.