What happened
On November 15, 2017, at approximately 17:55 local time, a DR400-120 aircraft, registered F-GNNI, was conducting a local VFR night flight from Montpellier-Méditerranée aerodrome. The flight, operated by Club de Montpellier, carried a pilot and one passenger.
During the approach, the pilot was instructed by air traffic control to hold at a specific waypoint to allow three commercial flights to pass. After a ten-minute delay, the pilot was cleared to land on runway 30R. While descending at an altitude of approximately 400 feet, the aircraft encountered a dense flock of storks. The collision resulted in one bird breaking through the left side of the canopy and entering the cabin, though it did not strike the occupants. A second bird struck the main landing gear and the right wing, while a third bird became lodged between the muffler and the fuselage.
Despite the impact, the pilot successfully completed the landing. The aircraft taxied to point Victor, where it was brought to a halt. Emergency services arrived on the scene following notification from the controller.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the damage sustained by the aircraft and the circumstances of the bird strike. Investigators examined the cockpit and airframe, noting that the left side of the canopy was destroyed. The rear window and the overhead panel showed significant traces of blood. Additionally, an impact mark was identified on the leading edge of the right wing, and feathers were found caught near the muffler attachments.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a collision with a flock of storks during the final stages of the landing approach.
- The impact was severe enough to breach the aircraft's canopy, allowing a bird to enter the cabin area.
- There were zero fatalities and no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.