Pilot Lands Safely After Bird Strike

Photo by Mike Jachles, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue

February 17, 2009 – Broward County, Florida Sheriff Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Joe Murton looks at the cockpit of a Cessna 402 that experienced an in-flight bird strike just after takeoff from Ft. Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport on February 16.

The pilot of the twin engine aircraft, en route to Bimini, told fire fighters he hit a flock of turkey vultures, with one of the large birds penetrating the windshield. After the strike, the pilot radioed the in-flight emergency to the tower, which dispatched Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue units while the craft was two minutes out.

The pilot safely landed the plane with the impaled bird still in the windshield. Broward Sheriff Fire Recue fire fighters/paramedics treated the unidentified pilot on the scene for injuries sustained in the incident. The Broward County Aviation Department also responded and is conducting an investigation.