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October 13, 2001 · Aerospatiale ATR 42-320 · N34820

Yardley, PA

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 13, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (29 uninjured)
Location
Yardley, PA
Aircraft
Aerospatiale ATR 42-320
Tail Number
N34820
Operator
Continental Express
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC02LA008

While in cruise flight at 5,000 feet, the flight crew experienced a loud bang and subsequent roll and yaw of the airplane. They also experienced severe buffeting and the autopilot disengaged. The flight crew then observed that the number two power lever was jammed in a 68 percent torque position, and the airplane was unstable about the roll axis. After the airplane landed uneventfully, maintenance personnel and a FAA inspector observed two large bird strikes to the right wing. There was damage to the right wing spar cap, outer spar, ribs, and lower skin aft of the spar. Additionally, the inspector noted damage to the area of center section control pulleys, and that the number two engine throttle control pulley was broken.

Full Narrative

On October 13, 2001, about 1900 eastern daylight time, an Aerospatiale ATR 42-320, N34820, was substantially damaged during a bird strike, while in cruise flight near Yardley, Pennsylvania. The airplane was operated by Continental Express Airlines Inc. as flight 3354. There were no injuries to the 3 crewmembers and 26 passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk, Virginia, about 1745. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the scheduled air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. The flight crew reported that they were en route to Newark International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey, at 5,000 feet; when they experienced a loud bang and subsequent roll and yaw of the airplane. They also experienced a severe buffeting and the autopilot disengaged. The flight crew then observed that the number two power lever was jammed in a 68 percent torque position, and the airplane was unstable about the roll axis. The flight crew then declared an emergency and landed uneventfully at EWR. Post flight inspection of the airplane by maintenance personnel revealed damaged to the right wing outboard leading edge and a hole in the center fairing. They believed that the damage was caused by a collision with two Canada geese. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the right wing spar cap, outer spar, ribs, and lower skin aft of the spar. Additionally, the inspector noted damage to the area of center section control pulleys, and that the number 2 engine throttle control pulley was broken.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 EDT
Nearest AirportNewark International Airport (55nm SW)
Runway22L
Runway Length9980 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerospatiale ATR 42-320
Tail NumberN34820
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorContinental Express
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W · PW121 · Turboprop · 2100 | P&W · PW121 · Turboprop · 2100
Seats49

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (29 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured29
Total29
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 25 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind120° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data