N30RA

On May 25, 2000, about 0845 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 310R, N30RA, operated by Richland Aviation, of Sidney, Montana, was destroyed subsequent to colliding with multiple geese and impacting terrain approximately 5 miles southeast of Wolf Point, Montana. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Clayton Municipal Airport, approximately 5 minutes prior to the accident. Impact forces and post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.

Shortly after takeoff from runway 11, about 600 feet above ground level (AGL), the aircraft collided with multiple geese. The pilot stated that he heard 3-4 loud bangs just before the aircraft's windshield shattered. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain and burned. The pilot was unable to recall any of the detailed events between the time of the bird strikes and the time of the accident.