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August 10, 2014 · Dehavilland DHC 8 102 103 · N815EX

Harrisburg, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 10, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (20 uninjured)
Location
Harrisburg, PA
Aircraft
Dehavilland DHC 8 102 103 (1992)
Tail Number
N815EX
Operator
Piedmont Airlines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA14CA147

On August 10, 2014 at about 0605 eastern daylight time, a deHavilland DHC-8-100, N815EX, operated by Piedmont Airlines d.b.a. USAirways Express flight 4206, struck a flock of geese during the takeoff roll from Middletown Harrisburg International Airport (KMDT), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew and the airplane sustained damage. The flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight between KMDT and Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The captain was the pilot flying and the first officer was the pilot monitoring. According to the flight crew, about 15 seconds into the takeoff roll and prior to V1, the captain observed a large group of geese flying from right to left in front of the airplane. He immediately initiated a rejected takeoff as the airplane impacted multiple geese on the front windshield and the right engine propeller, which caused a severe vibration. The flight crew shut down the right engine as the airplane slowed and returned to the gate. Examination of the airplane indicated damage to the right propeller, a broken passenger window, and damage to the fuselage skin and stringers near the broken window.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

On August 10, 2014 at about 0605 eastern daylight time, a deHavilland DHC-8-100, N815EX, operated by Piedmont Airlines d.b.a. USAirways Express flight 4206, struck a flock of geese during the takeoff roll from Middletown Harrisburg International Airport (KMDT), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew and the airplane sustained damage. The flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight between KMDT and Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The captain was the pilot flying and the first officer was the pilot monitoring. According to the flight crew, about 15 seconds into the takeoff roll and prior to V1, the captain observed a large group of geese flying from right to left in front of the airplane. He immediately initiated a rejected takeoff as the airplane impacted multiple geese on the front windshield and the right engine propeller, which caused a severe vibration. The flight crew shut down the right engine as the airplane slowed and returned to the gate. Examination of the airplane indicated damage to the right propeller, a broken passenger window, and damage to the fuselage skin and stringers near the broken window.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:05 EDT
Nearest AirportHarrisburg Intl (0nm NW)
Runway13
Runway Length10002 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDehavilland DHC 8 102 103
Tail NumberN815EX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPiedmont Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsPratt And Whitney · PW120A · Turboprop · 2000 | Pratt And Whitney · PW120A · Turboprop · 2000
Seats41

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (20 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured20
Total20
Crew 1Age 64 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 59
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time09:56
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data