Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot reported that after departing on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal cross-country flight, he heard a thump, and he elected to return to his departure airport to investigate. A postflight inspection revealed damage to the airplane’s outboard portion of the right wing, with bird feathers and blood imbedded in the leading edge. A subsequent maintenance examination revealed structural damage to the airplane’s right wing spar. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot reported that after departing on a Title 14, CFR Part 91 personal cross-country flight, he heard a thump, and he elected to return to his departure airport to investigate. A postflight inspection revealed damage to the airplane’s outboard portion of the right wing, with bird feathers and blood imbedded in the leading edge. A subsequent maintenance examination revealed structural damage to the airplane’s right wing spar. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.