What happened
On May 30, 2023, at approximately 15:47 local time, a Reims Aviation SA, F172H, registration EC-CXP, was performing a private flight from Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid to the Robledillo de Mohernando airfield in Guadalajara, Spain. While the aircraft was on the final segment of the airfield traffic pattern, an adult griffon vulture struck the right wing strut. The impact caused the immediate death of the bird. The pilot continued the flight and landed at the destination without further incident. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation utilized video footage recorded by a passenger to identify the species involved as an adult griffon vulture. The investigation also analyzed GPS flight data, which confirmed the aircraft's trajectory and established that the collision occurred while overflying the VOR/DME RBO during the final approach. The investigators examined the local environment, noting the proximity of the airfield to the Sierra de Ayllón, a known habitat for significant griffon vulture colonies. The study also reviewed historical data regarding bird strikes in the region, noting that a high percentage of such incidents involve general aviation aircraft and large soaring birds like vultures.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a bird strike that the pilot could neither anticipate nor avoid.
- The collision occurred during a period and altitude (low level) consistent with the typical flight patterns of vultures.
- The presence of significant vulture populations in the nearby mountains increases the risk of similar encounters for aircraft operating in the area.