Bird Strike av det tøffe slaget - Sør Afrika - Curt Lewis

 Accident: SA Airlink JS41 at Venetia Mine on Jan 3rd 2022, bird strike disintegrates propeller, cabin punctured

A SA Airlink Jetstream JS-41, registration ZS-NRJ performing a charter flight from Johannesburg to Venetia Mine (South Africa), was on approach to Venetia Mine when a bird impacted the right hand propeller causing one of the blades to separate and penetrate the cabin. The aircraft continued for a safe landing.

The airline confirmed the incident on Jan 4th 2022 stating: "Yesterday an Airlink Jetstream 41 aircraft operating a private charter flight struck a large bird upon landing at Venetia airfield. None of the passengers or crew were injured although the aircraft sustained substantial damage."

Venetia Mine is located at Coordinates S22.4481 E29.3377.

On Feb 2nd 2022 South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) released their preliminary report reporting the aircraft collided with a Kori Bustard during the landing roll on runway 08 at a speed of 104.6 knots over ground while the propellers were in the reverse thrust configuration (course pitch). The bird had become airborne from the grass area next to the runway on the right side, collided with the propeller causing one blade to sever. Several fragment of the blade penetrated the fuselage in the 3rd passenger seat row. The aircraft began to shake, the right hand enigne showed overtemperature. While slowing the aircraft on the runway the crew shut the engine down. Due the severe vibrations several of the right hand engine's components received damage.

The SACAA stated: "The accident was considered survivable as no person was seated at seat row number 3 during the accident. The cabin crew member reported that the passenger who was seated in row 3 for weight and balance purposes, vacated the seat during flight to occupy one of the empty seats at the back of the aircraft."