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Bird Strike Cessna 210
Happened to me in a twin. Much scarier in a single engine as this video reveals (www.liveleak.com) Más...Back in 1979 at Whiting Field, FL a friend of mine (Steve H.) on his 3rd flight as a student in a T-34C took a Turkey Buzzard through the front of the canopy. Hit him square in the chest and knocked him senseless. The instructor in the back got hit by all sorts of parts, blood etc, and since Steve slumped forward, and was pushing on the stick, the instructor thinking his student was dead, bailed out leaving Steve behind. He came to, saw that the canopy had been blown, recovered the plane and flew back towards Whiting. Since he was on his 3rd flight, and having no previous flight time, having only a couple of touch and goes from his second flight, he was literally talked down to a safe landing. For his accomplishment, Steve was the only one when he received his wings to have an Air Medal, and a call sign..Birdman. I only wish I could have seen the look on the instructors face when he was told his student had successfully flown home and landed. Can't blame him for jumping, Steve is 6'2" and a good 220lbs of the US Marine finest.
There are a few more details than the above post provided. It was not the student's third flight; it was his last hop prior to the safe-for-solo checkride. The instructor was also temporarily knocked unconsciensious and also temporarily blinded by debris from the buzzard which had hit him in the face splitting his face shield. The instructor, also a Marine (Major), made an attempt to communicate with the student after he regained conscientiousness; however, he got no response. Since the instructor couldn't see and believed the debris on this face was from the student, he thought they had had a mid-air with another aircraft. He also felt the aircraft was starting to depart controlled flight. Bailing out was the only option he had. I was an instructor in that squadron at the time of the incident and this is my recollection.
Rule #1, no matter what always fly the aircraft. Pilot did a great job of maintaining his composure with half a wind shield and bird all over his lap. I thought it was really cool how they were able to slow it down and show you how close the glass came to their faces. These two men were very fortunate, that said they did an awesome job. Thanks for the video, this site is great!
That New Zealand MSN link doesn't work in the US, but you can see the original video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e46c9GGpnkU ... lucky guys!