Investigation number
AO-2013-058
Occurrence date
Location
Hedlow (ALA)
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Animal strike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The pilot commenced the landing flare at about 10 ft above the runway, during which time a bird struck the left wing. The aircraft yawed slightly left and the left wing dropped; the pilot applied opposite aileron to maintain wings level. The aircraft then drifted to the right of the runway into an adjacent paddock and the left wing struck a bull. The aircraft landed in the paddock. The aircraft sustained substantial damage from the bull strike and one passenger received minor injuries. The bull was put down as a result of the injuries sustained from the strike.

While the risk of wildlife strikes represents an ongoing challenge, and will always be present, this accident highlights the need to be aware of the hazards that may potentially exist within the vicinity of the runway and the benefits of overflying to alarm wildlife.

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin - Issue 19

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Mooney Aircraft Corp
Model
M20
Registration
VH-CYK
Serial number
24-1302
Operation type
Private
Departure point
Hedlow, Qld
Destination
Hedlow, Qld
Damage
Substantial