Why birds kill: cross-sectional analysis of U.S. Air Force bird strike data

In the past, bird strikes have been analyzed in an effort to reduce costs by reducing strikes. No one has evaluated bird strike data from the perspective of injury prevention and the cost in human lives. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 22,423 bird strikes reported in the U.S. Air Force in 1974-88. Summary statistics revealed patterns previously reported by others. Relative risk analysis of fatal and injurious bird strikes revealed several statistically significant associations. Fatal or injurious outcomes were associated with strikes in the F-4 and B-1. In addition, windshield penetration was likely to cause death or injury. Flying on a bombing range or flying at speeds greater than 556 km/h (300 knots indicated airspeed) were also more likely to lead to a serious outcome. This analysis can be used as an adjunct to previous analytical methods and, I hope, can provide insight into more focused strategies for saving both lives and aircraft.