Dash 8-100
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Environment - Non Weather Related
We were on approach into HPN in night VMC conditions. Approximately 15 miles west of HPN at 3;000 FT we converged with a flock of large birds which resulted in a strike to the left side of our aircraft. The impact was felt and heard by both the flight crew and passengers; however; there were no indications that the impact had done any significant damage. We disconnected the autopilot to feel for any possible effects to the flight controls and nothing abnormal was noted. Engine instruments were checked and everything appeared normal. The aircraft appeared sound and we continued our visual approach to landing with no further issues. Upon deplaning; we conducted a thorough visual inspection of the aircraft during which a large hole was discovered in the leading edge of the left wing; between the approach lights and the engine nacelle. We did not have the birds in sight until a split second before impact. PIREPS of birds in the vicinity may help; however; bird strikes are largely unavoidable; especially in times of low visibility and/or at night.
Descending for landing at HPN a Dash 8 encountered a flock of large birds; at least one of which struck the left wing. After checking for impaired performance or controllability issues and finding neither; they continued to an uneventful landing. Post flight inspection revealed a large hole in the leading edge of the left wing.