Description
The 7,516 reported wildlife strikes to U.S. civil aircraft in 2008 brought the 19 year total of wildlife strikes between 1990 and 2008 to 89,727. Birds (97.4%) and terrestrial mammals (2.1%) were struck 72% of the time at or below 500 feet AGL and 92% of the time at or below 3,000 feet AGL. Both classes of animals were struck more often in the late summer/ autumn season. Fifty-one percent of bird strikes occurred between July and October while 61% of terrestrial mammal strikes occurred between July and November. Terrestrial mammals are more likely to be struck at night (64%) whereas birds are struck more often during the day (62%). Both birds (60%) and terrestrial mammals (55%) are more likely to be struck during the landing (i.e., descent, approach or landing roll) phase of flight compared to take-off and climb (37% and 34%, respectively).
