An Airlink Jetstream JS-41, registration ZS-NRJ performing a charter flight from Johannesburg to Venetia Mine in South Africa was on approach to Venetia Mine when a bird impacted the right-hand propeller causing one of the blades to break and penetrate the aircraft fuselage.
The incident occurred on January 3, 2022, and the aircraft was able to continue to land safely. No one on board was injured.
The aircraft, however, suffered heavy damage.
The airline confirmed the incident on Jan 4th 2022 stating: “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 was 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.
Airlink operates 47 Embraer jets, from the smallest EMB 135 to the ERJ 190.
