The ATSB found that "The Toll Metro 23 VH-HPE arrived at Thangool Airport just before first light, and shortly after touchdown, the right propeller struck a small kangaroo. The pilot reported there was a lot of vibration throughout the aircraft but no abnormal engine indications. The pilot continued the landing roll, and used ground idle rather than reverse thrust to slow the aircraft."
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| File photo taken by 'IAD' © |
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| https://www.atsb.gov.au/ |
"As post flight inspection revealed that one of the propeller blades attached to the right engine was twisted."
The next day, the RFDS King Air VH-FDB was on a medical retrieval flight to Barcaldine Airport. "As the aircraft touched down in the early hours of the morning, at about 0141 EST the aircraft struck a small kangaroo. The pilot reported that engine indications were normal, with no noticeable vibration as they completed the landing roll, and then shut down the left engine and taxied clear."
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| File photo |
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| https://www.atsb.gov.au/ |
"The strike had caused damage to three propeller blades attached to the left engine and disabled the aircraft."
The ATSB also found that at Thangool Airport, a runway inspection had been carried out about twenty minutes prior to VH-HPE landing. No animals were seen during this inspection. The airport at Thangool was not fully fenced for protection from animals.
While at Barcaldine Airport, a 6-ft chain mesh fence with locked gates surrounds the airport. On this occasion a runway inspection had not been requested.
Occurrences involving aircraft striking wildlife are the most common occurrences reported to the ATSB. The ATSB regularly publishes a statistical report on the number and frequency of wildlife strikes to give information back to airline operators, and other aviation industry participants.
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