Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper Aircraft PA28-236, registration TI-AOJ, serial number 28-7911295, built in 1979. It was owned by Agrícola El Chorro S.A. and operated by PRESTIGE WINGS. The crew consisted of Captain Armando José Aguilar Hernández (Costa Rican, license 114860875) and Copilot Mario Miranda Ramírez (Costa Rican, license 701600574).
Accident Summary
On March 17, 2017, the aircraft was conducting a commercial VFR flight from Tobías Bolaños International Airport (MRPV) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (MROC). At approximately 12:21 local time (18:21 UTC), while en route, the aircraft experienced a bird strike approximately 1.30 nautical miles northwest of Runway 09 at MRPV, near Represa Electriona on the Río Virilla in San José. The weather conditions were reported as VMC with day visibility; wind conditions were unknown.
Outcome
The bird strike caused significant (major) damage to the aircraft. Both crew members sustained no or minor injuries. The event was classified as a bird strike incident.