Overview
On 3 July 2010 at 1617 UTC, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-AVLJ, was on a private flight approaching Jersey Airport in the Channel Islands. The aircraft, manufactured in 1967, was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E2A piston engine. The sole occupant, the pilot, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 686 hours of total flying experience, with 597 hours on type.
Incident Details
While the aircraft was on final approach and had been cleared for a normal landing, a seagull entered its flight path. The pilot was unable to take avoiding action. The bird struck the left windscreen, causing it to shatter. The remains of the bird entered the cockpit and hit the pilot, dislodging his headset.
Pilot Actions
Despite the bird strike and dislodged headset, the pilot executed a normal landing. After landing, he recovered the headset from the rear of the aircraft and informed Air Traffic Control of the incident. He then taxied the aircraft to its assigned parking place.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries and received first aid at the parking place. The aircraft's left windscreen was shattered; no other damage was reported.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1967 Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-AVLJ, equipped with one Lycoming O-320-E2A engine. The pilot had flown 24 hours in the last 90 days and 13 hours in the last 28 days.