Hi Matt,
Somewhat surprisingly, the bird has a
fairly good chance of making it through the prop unscathed. Here's
why:
Assuming 2400 rpm and 200 mph (17,600 feet/min),
the airplane moves forward 7.33 feet per engine revolution . With a 2
blade prop, the airplane moves 3.66 ft per blade passage. If a
bird has a length of 1 foot, then he has a better than 66% chance of
making it through! A 3 or 4 blade prop would reduce his chances
somewhat.
Of course, his elation at making it all the way
through a spinning propeller would be fairly short lived if he was heading for
the cowling or windshield.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,450 hrs
N6ZQ IV under construction