N402ET

On May 22, 2000, at 0805 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 402C airplane, N402ET, sustained substantial damage when a bird struck the windshield during landing at the Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith airport, Cordova, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as an instrument flight rules (IFR) scheduled flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated as Flight 106 by Arctic Circle Air Service Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The airline transport certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed. An IFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage, Alaska, at 0704.

The director of operations for the operator reported the pilot was carrying only cargo. During the landing approach to Cordova, the airplane was about 50 feet above the ground at 100 knots. The pilot reported the visibility was about two miles in light rain and mist. The pilot saw three Canada geese fly up from the runway area. One of the geese collided with the right windshield, breaking the plastic. The bird remained caught on pieces of the broken windshield. The pilot landed the airplane without any other difficulties. The windshield was penetrated, and required replacement.