Primary finding
Probable cause
geese that were encounter on an ILS final approach. Darkness was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported they were flying a practice ILS-Localizer approach and had intercepted the localizer when the airplane collided with waterfowl. The flight continued to the airport, where an successful landing was made. Postaccident inspection revealed the airplane had been struck by approximately 10 geese.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 22, 1997, at 1800 central standard time (cst), a Piper PA-28-140, N1447H, operated by a private instrument pilot and a certified flight instructor collided with approximately 10 geese during an approach into the Airlake Airport, Lakeville, Minnesota. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither pilot was injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions. The flight originated from the Flying Cloud Airport, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 1730 cst. The pilot reported they were flying a practice ILS-Localizer approach to runway 29 at the Airlake Airport when the accident occurred. He reported they had been vectored for the approach and had intercepted the localizer when the airplane was struck by waterfowl. He reported that after the strike they experienced smoke in the cockpit which was a result of some of the waterfowl remains inside the engine cowling. The pilot stated they reported the strike to air traffic control and continued to Airlake Airport where a full stop landing was made. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that it had been struck by approximately 10 geese. -