Bird Strike

[Tom McGehee]

Went for an evening flight last night and on our down-wind leg we evidently hit a small bird. Even with headsets on it was quite loud. At first we didn't know what the noise was but soon saw the 3" splat on the windscreen. I think we were quite fortunate not to have the windscreen break; eventhough it wasn't a large bird, the momentum of inpact must have been great! Sure was surprised to hit one at night. No damage to the plane but I am more convinced than ever to wear some sort of eye protection at all times.

debbie

[Sappie]

birdstrikes are very scary, mostly the sudden very lound BANG when they hit. I had a similay incident to yours, except mine was in broad daylight mid-downwind during a few circuits in a Archer II, strange thing is, i saw it coming. here is a brief voice transcript (if i had a recorder fitted)
"Whats the black dot out there?" - "PIDGEON!" -
"BANG" - "oh sh#*" -long pause- (passenger)" does this thing have wipers?" total time - 2 seconds approx

Fortunatly for me, sort of, is that the bird was hit by the propeller before travelling onto the windshield so the bird was softened before it hit the window resulting in a very messy looking impact site. luckily the propeller ,engine and aircraft were undamaged. needed a wash though.

You should report the bird strike. There's a form in the back of the AIM or on the FAA web site to do so.

[wxwatcher]

Scott,

You don't need to go looking for the A.I.M. or even the FAA web site. Just call 800-WX-BRIEF (800-992-7433). All AFSS specialists have the forms handy to their position and are trained to take the report for you.

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Comments and opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

Do you guys do windows too?

[Frodo]

Having had my share of birdstrikes flying fighters, I will share a few thoughts. You can never tell when and where they will happen. I took off out of an air base in Louisiana one day with about a 700' overcast ceiling which was about 500' thick. above that was clear air for about 2000' followed by another overcast. As I popped out of the first layer, I was startled by a stream of ducks (and I'm not talking just one flock here) flying just above the "undercast". I did not hit any, but it was an eye opener to say the least. If you do see birds and have any time at all to react (rarely the case) climb! Not only will this give you time and altitude to deal with a potential strike, but most birds will react to you by folding their wings and diving. Of course, if you know of areas where birds are congragating, stay away from their.

[BAYALON]

Might be a silly question, but what do you do if the windshield is broken and the air rushes in? How one get reed of the drag? Do you open a door? I don’t think so because the air can push it out and if the door is lost it can hit the horizontal stab. etc. Any ideas?

[Frodo]

I actually read an article years back that pertained to this very thing. Some guy was flying a C-172 when a bird took out the windscreen. He was unable to maintain altitude at full throttle. When he opened the doors in prep for a forced landing, the airplane started to climb. So the answer is yes, opening the door and letting the air flow through the cockpit will reduce drag. Sorry, I can't remember where the article was, so you'll have to take my word for now.

[Wire]

This is but one reason I wear a flight helmet while flying.
I get an occasional funny look but I am the one who would have to deal with the bird strike. The helmet visor does in fact offer substantial protection.