On September 1, 2005, a Dassault/sud FALCON 20D (registration N821AA) was involved in an aviation accident near Lorain, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ingestion of multiple birds in each engine at takeoff, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A twin-engine business jet struck birds during takeoff, leading to engine failures, a gear-up landing, and a runway overrun into a cornfield.
Incident Summary
A small, twin-engine business jet was about 15 feet above the runway during takeoff when a flock of birds from both sides flew in front of the airplane. The number two engine surged, and loud reports were heard. The copilot then noted a complete loss of power on the number two engine instruments. The airplane climbed for about 10 seconds before the copilot observed the gas producer (N1) gauge on the number one engine decay through 50 percent. The stall warning horn sounded, and the pilot adjusted the flight controls for landing.
Landing and Overrun
The airplane contacted the runway with the landing gear retracted. It overran the runway, struck a fence, crossed a road, and came to rest in a cornfield about 1,000 feet beyond the initial point of ground contact.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination of both engines revealed evidence and damage consistent with multiple bird ingestion.