This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.
While flying the full published RNAV approach to ZZZ, after being cleared for the approach, completing the procedure turn and established inbound at 2,200 feet in approach configuration (110 kts 50% flap, autopilot) a bird (eagle?) struck the windshield high on the pilot side.
Pilot was wearing foggles for the approach while the co-pilot/safety pilot was monitoring the UNICOM and pattern traffic.
No birds had been observed in the vicinity until the strike.
The impact created a large hole in the windshield sending plexiglass, bird feathers, blood, and gore into the face and torso of the pilot, as well as throughout the cabin.
There was considerable wind noise making radio/intercom communication difficult.
Bird was lodged head down at the windshield/fuselage roof intersection and had penetrated several inches into the composite roof structure. Bird was removed from that location by pilot to regain visibility.
Co-pilot radioed ATC/Unicom (there were two other aircraft in the pattern) to report the strike while pilot flew plane and landed safely.
Injuries were minor cuts and bruises to the pilot.
IFR plan was closed on the ground.
Only one hit was heard/felt and the engine continued to run normally, so not sure if the bird struck the prop before hitting the windshield or if the bird struck from above without striking the prop.
Given the angles involved it was not possible to see and avoid.
Staff at ZZZ advised that this was the second bird strike in the vicinity of the airport in the last week.
Primary Problem: Aircraft
ACN: 1935051
When they say a bird in hand…. They don’t mean get one this way.
Almost became a Cat 3 approach in zero visibility.
About 25 years ago a Cessna P210 in western Kansas hit a goose while about 18000 feet. The bird impacted the windshield on the right side and went through the aft pressure bulkhead.
The pilot was solo. It there had been a right seat passenger they’d be dead.
The 210 landed at KICT and I saw the repairs being done.
Early Learners were Part 23 and they had to pass an FAA observed windshield test. Firing a chicken at a stationary Lear 23. After a series of tests the FAA was invited to observe. They sent a go-fure to get chickens. Bill Lear said he would sit in the pilot seat
Good thing he didn’t. They chickens were frozen!
“Thaw the chicken” story never get old
During crop spraying I’ve experience many bird strikes including a hawk that came, untouched, through the prop. Fortunately no penetrations into the cockpit.
PS The hawk submitted his own NASA report.