U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Date of this Version
February 2002
Abstract
Collisions between wildlife and aircraft (wildlife strikes) cost civil aviation more than $380 million annually in the US and pose a safety risk to flight personnel and passengers. We investigated wildlife strike trends and characteristics of strikes at airports in Ohio, 1990-1999, by analysis of data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Wildlife Strike Database. Of 903 reported wildlife strikes with civil aircraft in Ohio, 98% were bird strikes and 2% involved mammals (primarily white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginiana] and coyote [Canis latrans]). Reported wildlife strikes increased (P <0.01) from 39 in 1990 to 165 in 1999- Species groups most commonly involved in bird strikes were gulls (Larus spp., 135), raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes, 55), and waterfowl (Anseriformes, 49). The estimated cost of damage (mean - $85,8l6/aircraft; total = $3,175,192) was provided for only 37 (29%) of the 126 strike reports that indicated damage occurred. Assuming all damaging strikes had comparable mean damage and 20% of all strikes were reported, the total cost of these strikes may have been as high as $54 million. Airport managers in Ohio and elsewhere should develop wildlife hazard management programs to minimize the risk of wildlife strikes, especially with deer, geese, gulls and other large species.
Comments
From the OHIO J SCI 102 (2):2-7, 2002.