Bird/Other Wildlife Strike Report

The foundation to our understanding of wildlife hazards to aviation lies in the quantity and quality of strike data within the National Wildlife Strike Database (NWSD). The database extends from 1990 - 2023 and is a collaborative effort begun in 1995 between the FAA and the USDA. Although the quantity of strikes reported each year over three decades has grown significantly, the quality assurance provided by the USDA is the keystone allowing the NWSD to be invaluable throughout the aviation industry. Pilots, airports, and others involved in wildlife strikes report strike data voluntarily on an as needed basis. The data collection is used by the FAA, USDA Wildlife Service, airports, engine and airframe manufacturers, ICAO and foreign countries to develop standards to address bird and other wildlife hazards to aircraft and injury to personnel and to develop wildlife habitat control methods on or adjacent to airports. Using wildlife strike reports, the FAA can determine the hazard level of species struck, track national trends, and provide a scientific foundation for regulatory guidance concerning mitigation of risks from wildlife strikes. Airports and wildlife biologists use the data to identify and mitigate hazardous species, to identify strike dynamics and attractants, and to evaluate the effectiveness of their wildlife management programs. Engine and airframe manufacturers use the data to evaluate the effectiveness of aircraft components. A wildlife strike report must include the incident date and time but can also include information about the airport, aircraft, aircraft operator, environmental conditions, damage, costs, effect on flight, wildlife involved, and incident reporter. Reporters can also attach photographs of damage and wildlife involved. The data elements collected help the FAA and partner organizations identify trends in wildlife strikes and their impact on U.S. aviation. Incident reporter contact information is collected for internal use only to contact reporters if more details about an incident are needed and to help identify potential duplicate reports. The information collected is authenticated and stored electronically in the FAA National Wildlife Strike Database (https://wildlife.faa.gov/home). This database is accessible to international, national, state, and local governments and both public and private organizations and individuals for use in addressing the wildlife aircraft strike issue. The FAA Wildlife Hazard Program, managed by the Office of Airports and the Airport Technology Research & Development Branch, will retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with FAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines.

The latest form for Bird/Other Wildlife Strike Report expires 2026-08-31 and is listed under ICR 202302-2120-001.

Bird/Other Wildlife Strike Report Web

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Transportation - Air Transportation