On November 12, 2003, a Bombardier Learjet 24D being operated on a non scheduled flight by Multi-Aero Inc. was destroyed during a forced landing and post crash fire following a loss of power in both engines after an encounter with a flock of birds just after take off from St. Louis Downtown Airport. Subsequent circumstantial evidence suggested that a flock of European Starlings might have been present. The flight had departed in accordance with a remotely issued take off clearance prior to the local ATC TWR opening.