Bird Hits Plane, Cockpit Fills with Blood

SHOW LOW, Ariz. - An amazing story from the White Mountains area.  Imagine you're flying two miles above the Earth when you smash into a bird that shatters your plane's windshield and leaves you bloodied.

The impact of the crash was a mess, but the pilot managed to land the plane safely after the bird strike.

The flight was carrying cargo - small packages from Phoenix to Show Low on Wednesday.  As the plane began its decent into Show Low, it struck the large bird at about 11,000 feet.

The pilot suffered some minor lacerations on his face and a bruised shoudler.  He received eight stitches and was released from a hospital in Show Low. 

FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said the pilot, The Roger Wutke, was the only person onboard the Ameriflight Beechcraft C99. The impact was so violent it knocked the glasses and headset off Wutke.

The cost to repair the plane's windshield will be in the thousands.  There's a minor dent on the frame where the bird's head hit as well.

Wednesday's incident marks the second plane hit by birds. On Monday, a Delta Air Lines passenger jet on a flight to Salt Lake City was forced to return to Phoenix after it struck a flock of birds.

FOX 10's Ron Hoon and SkyFOX pilot Rick Crabbs report. 

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