19990525021539A

On may 25, 1999, about 0005 Alaska daylight time, a Dehavilland DHC-6-300 airplane, N72GC, sustained substantial damage during the downwind portion of the landing phase, about 2 miles south of the Anchorage International Airport, Anchorage, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as an instrument flight rules (IFR) scheduled flight under title 14 CFR part 121 when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by era aviation inc., Anchorage, as flight 4857. The two flight crew members and the two passengers were no injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. An IFR flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the kenai municipal airport, kenai, Alaska, about 2348. The director of operations for the operator reported the flight was cleared for a right downwind approach for runway 14 at Anchorage. The airplane was about mid-channel between fire island, and the approach end of runway 6R. About 1,800 feet MSL, the flight crew briefly observed several birds. The crew then felt an impact. Upon landing, damage to the leading edge of the left wing was discovered. Small portions of a bird were found on the leading edge. During an interview with the flight crew on may 27, 1999, the crew said the size and type of bird could not be identified. Examination of the damage revealed denting of the leading edge, about four feet inboard from the left wing tip. An internal examination of wing disclosed two broken nose ribs, and wrinkling of the upper wing surface. (-23) due to no fault on part of the flight crew, the aircraft experienced a bird strike during a visual approach at night to the Anchorage International Airport at approximately 11 pm local time. The flight crew breifly observed several birds at about 1800 feet MSL then felt an impact. After landing they observed some damage to the leading edge of the left wing covering about 6 feet from the wing tip. A report was given through the FAA regional operations center, and the NTSB inspected the damage. They determined it tobe substantial damage and classified it as an accident. (.4) a twin engine turboprop airplane had been cleared for landing, and was on the downwind portion of a scheduled title 14 CFR part 121 flight during night visual meteorological conditions. The airplane was about 1,800 feet MSL, about 2 miles southwest of the destination airport that is located in a coastal area. The flight crew briefly observed several birds, and then felt an impact. Upon landing, damage to the leading edge of the left wing was discovered. Small portions of a bird were found on the leading edge. The crew could not identify the size and type of bird. Examination of the damage to the wing revealed denting of the leading edge, and wrinkling of the upper wing surface about 4 feet inboard from the left wing tip. An internal examination of wing disclosed two broken nose ribs. Forensic examination of biological material taken from the airplane's wing was conducted by the U.S. Department of agriculture. The material was identified as a common eider.