890 bird strikes reported in Maryland 1990-2007
In all the reporting in recent weeks about the bird strike data recently released by the Federal Aviation Administration, I never read anything specific to Maryland. But the report is now available online and it's available to anyone curious enough to plow through it.
It's fascinating reading, full of statistics and gory photos, including a shot of one expired bald eagle, snapped after he blasted through the windshield of a helicopter, knocking a passenger unconscious and forcing the pilot to land - safely, as it turned out.
If you never really realized that a fluffy, feathery bird could pose a mortal threat to big, aluminum airliners, get a load of the photos in this report. You'll be amazed by what happens to the leading edge of a Boeing 737's wing after being smacked by a blue heron.
The data include an accounting of reported wildlife strikes on aircraft, by state. It notes a total of 954 incidents in Maryland - not just BWI, one presumes - between 1990 and 2007. The tally includes 890 birds, 6 bats and 58 terrestrial mammals. Bambi strikes back!
Comments
You'll be amazed by what hapens to the leading edge of a Boeing 737's wing after being smacked by a blue heron.
It isn't so great for the heron, either.
Posted by: Lissa | April 26, 2009 2:33 PM
Frank,
Do early heat waves like this hold any predictive indications for the summer? Are we in for a scorching summer?
FR: The official outlook for June, July and August shows no clear trend either way on temperatures for most of Maryland, although the Eastern Shore looks to be very close to the warmer-than-normal forecast zone. Here's the link: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/lead02/off02_temp.gif
Posted by: Drew | April 27, 2009 8:29 AM