[Equality 7-2521]

Upon further research I have found that I was mistaken in that the majority of birdstrikes, while often causing extensive damage, do not destroy the aircraft in question.

However, I have direct knowledge of 2 aircraft (one F/A-18 and one F-14) that suffered enough damage to cause the pilot (both the pilot and gunner in the case of the Tomcat) to eject. And since those are the only two birdstrikes I have direct knowledge of, I made the incorrect assumption that the majority of birdstrikes destroy the aircraft.

[Tennessee_Bob]

But they do cause a lot of damage, and in quite a few cases, have caused a loss of airfame and lives. Here's a link to a PDF document on birdstrikes. And a few deer strikes as well..wonder where the moose are?