Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a large bird while on the downwind leg of a traffic pattern.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot reported that he was on the left downwind leg of a traffic pattern when a large buzzard struck the leading edge of the single-engine airplane's left wing. The pilot reported that there were no difficulties maintaining control of the airplane and that he was able to make a normal landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wing's rib structure.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot was on a left downwind of a traffic pattern when a large "buzzard" struck the leading edge of the single-engine airplane's left wing. The pilot reported that there were no difficulties maintaining control of the airplane and he was able to make a normal landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wing's rib structure.