NTSB Factual Report

On October 13, 2001, about 1900 eastern daylight time, an Aerospatiale ATR 42-320, N34820, was substantially damaged during a bird strike, while in cruise flight near Yardley, Pennsylvania. The airplane was operated by Continental Express Airlines Inc. as flight 3354. There were no injuries to the 3 crewmembers and 26 passengers. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk, Virginia, about 1745. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the scheduled air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121.

The flight crew reported that they were en route to Newark International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey, at 5,000 feet; when they experienced a loud bang and subsequent roll and yaw of the airplane. They also experienced a severe buffeting and the autopilot disengaged. The flight crew then observed that the number two power lever was jammed in a 68 percent torque position, and the airplane was unstable about the roll axis. The flight crew then declared an emergency and landed uneventfully at EWR.

Post flight inspection of the airplane by maintenance personnel revealed damaged to the right wing outboard leading edge and a hole in the center fairing. They believed that the damage was caused by a collision with two Canada geese.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the right wing spar cap, outer spar, ribs, and lower skin aft of the spar. Additionally, the inspector noted damage to the area of center section control pulleys, and that the number 2 engine throttle control pulley was broken.

NTSB Probable Cause

an in flight collision with birds.