For many*, the term “bird strike” evokes 20-year-old images of Fabio’s bloodied nose after he killed a goose with his face on a Busch Gardens Williamsburg roller coaster.
But bird strikes are a very real threat to flight safety, and have led to a number of accidents—including an embarassing Air Force mishap this week.
During a routine training mission on Monday, an A-10C Thunderbolt II collided with a feathered foe, causing the “inadvertent” release of three BDU-33 missiles over Florida.
Luckily, the small munitions—also known as “dumb bombs,” designed specifically for practice—are non-explosive.
The incident happened around 1:15 p.m. on July 1, about 54 miles southwest of Georgia’s Moody Air Force Base; officials believe the ammo dropped in the vicinity of 1.25 miles west of Highway 129, near Suwannee Springs.
No injuries or damages have been reported (yet).
Although the training munition is inert, it is equipped with a small pyrotechnic charge and should not be handled (via Eugene Oliver/U.S. Air Force)
Used to simulate a 500-pound M1a-82 bomb, the BDU-33 is a much more manageable 25 lbs. Approximately 22.5 inches long and blue, it is equipped with a small pyrotechnic charge and should not be handled.
So, if you’re wandering through the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park or refueling at the Busy Bee gas station and stumble upon what looks like a miniature torpedo, please don’t pick it up.
“If the training munition is found, do not approach it, taken note of the location, leave the area, and keep others away,” the Moody Air Force Base warned.
The public is urged to contact the 23rd Wing Command Post (at 229-257-3501) or local authorities with any information.
It is still unclear how exactly the bird’s impact caused the plane to release its payload.
The incident, the base said, is currently under investigation.
* No? Just me?
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