CESSNA 208B

Full Narrative

On February 18, 2010, at 1841 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 208B, N892FE, struck a bird while on approach to Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, California. West Air, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand cargo flight. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight plan was in effect. The pilot departed from Arcata Airport, Arcata, California, and was on approach to his destination when the bird strike occurred.

According to the pilot, he was approaching runway 16R. The airplane was on final approach at 300 feet above ground level when the pilot saw about five large birds. The pilot felt an impact to the airplane and the airplane rolled to the right as speed was reduced. The pilot corrected the roll with opposite aileron and rudder input and the aircraft landed on runway 16R.

Post accident examination showed damage to the right wing landing/taxi light area. Impact to the spar web resulted in the spar cap twisting downward. Two holes were punctured through the spar web. The sheet metal directly behind the landing light assembly was torn loose. Additionally, some control loss was experienced by the pilot due to the aileron control cables being pushed out of position.

Remains from the bird were recovered from the damage site and sent to the Smithsonian Institute for identification. According to the test results, the remains were identified as tundra swan.