What happened
While performing aerial spraying operations at a very low altitude, an aircraft was flying a southbound track approximately 8 ft above the ground. During this flight, the aircraft struck an Australian bustard at an estimated speed of 116 kt. The impact was forceful enough to shatter the right Perspex windshield, allowing the bird to enter the cockpit. Following the strike, the aircraft remained airborne for approximately 5 seconds. Evidence suggests the aircraft entered a short climb and reached a near-vertical attitude before impacting the terrain.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding area, noting that the impact site aligned with the aircraft's recorded flight path. The presence of the bird's carcass within the wreckage and the location of bird wings roughly 310 m north of the debris field confirmed the birdstrike occurred during the spraying run. The investigation also noted significant damage to the pilot's helmet and biological residue on the visor. Because the aircraft lacked flight data recording capabilities, investigators could not definitively determine if the pilot was incapacitated by the bird's entry or if the event caused a startle response or distraction.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained a birdstrike involving an Australian bustard while operating at 8 ft above ground level.
- The impact caused the right windshield to fail, allowing the bird to enter the cockpit.
- The strike likely compromised the pilot's ability to maintain control of the aircraft during low-level maneuvering.
- The aircraft's flight path transitioned into a near-vertical attitude leading to the terrain collision.