Rainfall effects on bird-aircraft collisions at two United States airports

We examined the influence of rainfall on bird-aircraft collisions at 2 major United States airports. Presence of standing water from rainfall did not increase the probability of bird-aircraft collisions at John F. Kennedy international Airport during April-October, 1986-1990. However, at O'Hare international Airport there was evidence that standing water increased collision rates. During April-October 1992-1994, collision rates were higher 1 day after greater than or equal to 2.54 cm rain than at other times. Although this analysis showed no clear-cut influence of rainfall on bird-aircraft collisions, airport operations personnel, as precautionary measures, should continue efforts to remove standing water and deter bird use of puddles. Detailed long-term data on daily bird-aircraft collisions, rainfall, and bird use of standing water are needed from other airports so that a more comprehensive and generalized analysis of collisions in relation to rainfall can be made.