Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s impact with a bird while on approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while in the traffic pattern and turning from base to final, a large bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure and made the airplane difficult to control. The pilot was able to land safely on the intended runway. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while in the traffic pattern and turning from base to final, a large bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure and made the airplane difficult to control. The pilot was able to land safely on the intended runway. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.