Bird strike incidence at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Abstract

The time and rate of bird strike incidences, species composition and number of birds involved in strikes, and the behaviour of birds were recorded at Bole International Airport from December 1994 to December 1995. The gut contents of the birds struck by aircraft were analyzed. A total of 33 bird strikes were recorded during the study period. Fifteen species of birds were involved in the strikes. Pigeons (Speckled pigeons, White-collard pigeons and Red eyed doves together), Black kites and Eurasian bee-eaters were responsible for 33, 24 and 18% of all the strikes recorded, respectively. Most bird strikes took place between September and October while the number of bird strikes between May and June were the least. Most of the bird strikes occurred in the early mornings when most flights leave or arrive. In 69% of the gut analysis carried out, the stomachs or crops were found empty mainly because strikes occurred in early mornings before the birds had fed. The bird strike prevention measures suggested include biological and physical methods.

SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 23, No. 2 (December 2000), pp. 215-229




Key words/phrases: Airport, behaviour, bird strike, Bole