A large bird struck the right Perspex windshield of an Air Tractor aircraft while conducting agricultural spraying near Chinchilla, Queensland, an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation has concluded.
On 19 September 2022, the pilot of the Air Tractor AT-502B was fatally injured after the aircraft was struck by a large bird while flying about 8 ft above ground level.
ATSB examination of the accident site indicated the aircraft flew a further 310 m, or about five seconds after the birdstrike, before colliding with the ground.
At the request of the ATSB, the Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics at the Australian Museum analysed biological specimens of the bird from the aircraft and accident site, identifying the species as an Ardeotis australis, commonly known as an Australian bustard or Plains turkey.
The Australian bustard is Australia’s heaviest flying bird, with an average adult weight of 4.5 kg, and males weighing up to 8 kg. They are capable of flying but are mostly ground dwelling.
ATSB Director Transport Safety Ms Kerri Hughes noted the accident was the second fatal birdstrike in Australia last year, with the first being the in-flight break-up of a helicopter after striking a wedgetail eagle in July.
Prior to 2022, there were no fatal accidents in Australia on record involving civil aircraft, where a birdstrike was confirmed as a contributing factor.
“While the vast majority of birdstrikes result in nil-to-minor damage to the aircraft, and nil-to-minor injuries to occupants, these two accidents highlight the ongoing hazard birdstrikes represent,” Ms Hughes said.
“This second accident in particular highlights the ongoing hazards presented during low-level spraying operations.”
The ATSB’s final report notes recommended practices published by the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group on managing the risk of wildlife strikes.
“Practices include considering the likelihood of a wildlife strike and proximity of known wildlife characteristics such as their agility, speed, manoeuvrability, and their ability to avoid aircraft, as well as considerations such as the consequence of a potential strike,” Ms Hughes said.
You can find here the report: Birdstrike and collision with terrain involving Air Tractor AT-502B, VH-KDR, 32 km east-north-east of Chinchilla Airport, Queensland, on 19 September 2022
