Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor and student pilot were conducting a local instructional flight and saw several large birds in front of the airplane. They attempted to avoid the birds but were unable, and one bird collided with the left wing. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane, which was difficult to control, and returned to the airport for an uneventful landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.