A Jetstream JS-41 operated by South African regional airline Airlink suffered damages to its fuselage and interior after a bird strike broke one of its propeller blades.
The incident occurred on January 3, 2022, when the Jetstream 41 aircraft (registration ZS-NRJ) was being used for a chartered flight to Venetia Mine Airport in South Africa.
The aircraft was on approach to Venetia Mine when a bird impacted the right hand propeller, causing one of the blades to separate and penetrate the cabin interior.
Remind me never to sit by a prop again! Thankfully no one hurt on this J41. #j41 #birdstrike #fanhitstheshit #birdmighthavebeeninjured It sure as hell would have woken you up if you were napping onboard. pic.twitter.com/jvUTYkKces
— Pontius Pilate (@pontius_is_goat) January 4, 2022
The aircraft was able to continue on to land safely. No one on board was injured. The aircraft, however, suffered heavy damage.
Airlink is known for its fleet of Embraer regional jets. The airline operates 47 of these jets, from the smallest EMB 135 to the ERJ 190.
Airlink issued a statement confirming the incident:
“Yesterday an Airlink Jetstream 41 aircraft operating a private charter flight struck a large bird upon landing at Venetia airfield. None of the passengers or crew were injured although the aircraft sustained substantial damage.”
“In compliance with aviation protocols and regulations, the occurrence was reported to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) which will conduct an investigation.”
The aircraft remains at Venetia airfield pending the SACAA’s inspection and a full damage assessment.