What happened
On September 12, 2006, a Cessna T210L, registration ZS-MSA, was conducting a commercial geographical survey flight in northern Namibia. While operating near the La Rochelle Game Lodge, approximately 35 nautical miles west of Tsumeb Aerodrome, the aircraft encountered a large bird, identified as an eagle. The bird struck the right front section of the engine cowling and was deflected upward with enough force to penetrate the cockpit windscreen.
Following the impact, the debris from the shattered windscreen struck the pilot in the face. Despite the sudden breach in the cockpit and the resulting noise and airflow, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and climbed to a safer altitude. To mitigate the effects of the broken windscreen, the pilot reduced the aircraft's airspeed. Realizing that returning to the original departure point at Tsumeb Aerodrome would take roughly 20 minutes, the pilot opted to locate a nearby alternative landing strip. After inspecting a local runway, the pilot performed a successful landing. Upon arrival, the pilot received medical attention from a lodge owner for various lacerations to the face and body caused by the broken plexiglass.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the impact. The investigation confirmed that the pilot, holding a valid Australian commercial pilot's licence with a South African validation, was the sole occupant of the aircraft. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed on September 6, 2006, with only 44.6 flight hours elapsed since that inspection.
Findings
- The pilot did not observe the eagle prior to the collision, which prevented any evasive maneuvers.
- The impact of the bird caused the physical destruction of the windscreen and subsequent injuries to the pilot.
- The pilot successfully managed the emergency by adjusting airspeed and selecting a suitable emergency landing site.