5/9/2005: C-130 versus bald eagle, C-130 wins [warning, graphic]

[wolf]

Actually, last I read, the Bald Eagle has rebounded to the point where it should have come off the Endangered list, but they're leaving it there for the additional protections that status provides. (I'm not sure if it's completely off or downgraded to "threatened," though.)

The picture of the pilot covered in bird guts is pretty striking as well.

[Leah]

Thanks wolf, it's always good to keep up with what's going on in the world.

[mlandman]

I'm confused re: what we're looking at -- is this the cockpit? Did the eagle get caught in a window or break through the windshield or hit a propeller then...?

Just trying to understand how it got where it did.

-mike

[Elspode]

Originally Posted by mlandman

I'm confused re: what we're looking at -- is this the cockpit? Did the eagle get caught in a window or break through the windshield or hit a propeller then...?

Just trying to understand how it got where it did.

-mike

This shot is looking down to the floor of the cockpit. The rear of the cockpit is at the top of the image. The eagle remains are on what is the port side of the aircraft/cockpit, next to the pilot's seat. Looks like it came in through the window, as there is a large piece of broken plexi on the floor with the head. I would surmise that the bird's body got splattered by the upright between the front cockpit window halves, leaving its head intact to fall to the floor after bouncing around the inside for a moment.

On the other hand, looking at it again, I think I'm completely wrong, as it doesn't really look like the cockpit to me...too much weird clutter, and the seat is all wrong. There's a magazine rack in front of it!