NTSB Factual Report

On October 14, 2002, about 2020 eastern daylight time, a de Havilland DHC-8-102, N847EX, operated by Allegheny Airlines Inc., as US Airways Express flight 3927, was substantially damage when it collided with birds while on approach to the Albany International Airport (ALB), Albany, New York. The 2 certificated pilots, 1 flight attendant, and 30 passengers were not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the scheduled passenger flight that departed from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington, DC. The flight was operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan under 14 CFR Part 121.

In a telephone interview, the captain reported the airplane was about 20 miles west of Albany, descending through 4,000 feet, in visual meteorological conditions, with an indicated airspeed of about 200 KIAS. The first officer was the pilot flying, and the auto-pilot was engaged. The runway approach lights were on and a flock of geese were illuminated by the lights. The first officer disconnected the auto-pilot; however, there was insufficient time to avoid the flock. The captain reported that he felt and heard noises which he assumed were birds impacting the airplane. A check was made to determine airplane controllability, and no problems were noted. The flight continued to Albany, and landed uneventfully. The airplane was then taxied to the terminal where the passengers exited through the main cabin door.

The captain reported that during his post flight inspection of the airplane, he observed two bird strikes on the airplane. One bird had penetrated the vertical stabilizer, near the base. Another bird entered the right wing about 6 feet outboard of the engine nacelle. Fuel was observed leaking from the wing at the point of penetration on the right wing. Further inspection revealed the right wing fuel tank had been penetrated by the bird..

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight collision with birds. A factor was the night conditions.