Summary
On October 07, 1999, a Boeing - Canada (de Havilland) DHC-8-102 (N818EX) was involved in an incident near Philadelphia, PA. All 15 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: An in flight collision with birds.
On October 6, 1999, about 2230 Eastern Daylight Time, a Bombardier de Havilland DHC-8-102, N818EX, sustained substantial damage while in cruise flight, approximately 5 miles north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The airplane was owned by Seventh Leasing Corporation, and operated by Allegheny Airlines Inc. The 3 crewmembers and 12 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; destined for Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Allentown Pennsylvania. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the passenger flight conducted under 14 CFR part 121.
This incident is documented in NTSB report NYC00LA007. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N818EX.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
An in flight collision with birds.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 6, 1999, about 2230 Eastern Daylight Time, a Bombardier de Havilland DHC-8-102, N818EX, sustained substantial damage while in cruise flight, approximately 5 miles north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The airplane was owned by Seventh Leasing Corporation, and operated by Allegheny Airlines Inc. The 3 crewmembers and 12 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; destined for Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Allentown Pennsylvania. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the passenger flight conducted under 14 CFR part 121.
According to the Captain's written statement:
"Multiple large bird strikes at 3000' MSL about 5 NM North of PHL. Had departed PHL for ABE, and leveled of(f) at cruise. While we suspected multiple strikes, only one impact sound was heard as apparently all birds hit at the same time. Extensive damage was not suspected, so flight continued to ABE..."
The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector. The Inspector observed an approximate 12-inch hole in the front spar of the left wing. He also noted damage to the propellers and radome.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC00LA007