BFO94LA058

The pilot was doing a straight-in approach to runway 14 at wilmington, DE, at night when the airplane struck birds. The airplane was descending through 1800 feet MSL and 7 miles from the airport when the bird strike occurred. The pilot reported he experienced a loss of electrical power, yaw control problems, and a partial loss of engine power; however, he continued to the airport and landed. The engine began to loose power a mile from the airport. Examination of the airplane revealed the battery case, firewall, and wings were damaged by the bird strike. Also, there was debris in the engine air inlet from the bird strike.

On April 2, 1994, at 1915 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38- 112, N2542L, collided with birds enroute to New Castle County Airport, Wilmington, Delaware. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured while the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight was being operated under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Delaware. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.

According to the pilot, it was a dark night and he was returning from a local flight. He stated that he was descending out of 2000 feet MSL for 1100 feet MSL, and upon reaching 1800 feet MSL he heard a loud bang. The pilot stated that he lost all electrical power and was unable to contact the tower. The airplane struck a flock of birds and some of the birds were ingested into the airplane's engine air inlet as well as in the cockpit. A landing was made without power due to loss of engine and electrical power. The pilot also stated that he did not have any aileron control during the landing.

Examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed that there were bird strikes to the right side battery case, firewall, and both wings. According to the Airport Facilities Directory in the Airport Remarks, it states in part "birds on and in vicinity of airport."