Incident Overview
On 8 February 2023, a Cessna 172RG (registration OK-KKA) operated by DSA a.s. was conducting a skill test for a commercial pilot license. The flight departed from Hradec Králové (LKHK) at 11:38 UTC. The crew consisted of an examiner and a foreign student pilot. The test included navigation and emergency maneuvers. While returning to LKHK, the aircraft was descending at approximately 2800 ft AMSL with an indicated airspeed of 120 kts on a heading of 240-250 degrees. The sun was low on the western horizon, directly ahead.
Bird Strike
At 13:02 UTC, about 7 nautical miles northeast of LKHK, the aircraft struck a large bird. The bird's body penetrated the left portion of the windshield and entered the cockpit. The student pilot, who was flying at the time, was struck in the head and became incapacitated. The examiner was hit on the left shoulder but remained uninjured. The aircraft began oscillating longitudinally, and cold air rushed into the cabin. The student pilot collapsed in the left seat with blood and bird remains.
Emergency Response
The examiner immediately took over control and declared MAY DAY on the KRÁL Rádio frequency, reporting a bird strike, continuing for landing on runway 15L, and requesting immediate medical assistance. The aircraft experienced increased drag, requiring full engine power to maintain speed. The examiner could not communicate verbally with the student due to wind noise. The airport fire service was alerted, and emergency services (HZS and ZZS) were dispatched.
Landing and Aftermath
At 13:08 UTC, the examiner successfully landed the damaged aircraft on runway 15L at LKHK and stopped on the runway. Airport fire and rescue vehicles arrived within 30 seconds. The student pilot was transported to a hospital in Hradec Králové with lacerations to the neck and above the right eyebrow, and a cervical spine block. The examiner was unharmed. The bird was identified by an airport ornithologist as a female white-tailed eagle with a wingspan over 2 meters.
Aircraft Damage
The initial contact with the bird was on a propeller blade, which remained undamaged. Damage included the shattered windshield, left windshield pillar, seat upholstery, interior lining, instrument panel, and carpeting, all contaminated with biological material.
Contributing Conditions
The clear sky and low sun directly ahead made it impossible for the crew to visually detect the large bird in time to avoid the collision.