Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while in cruise flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that about 10 minutes after departure, while in cruise flight, a bird impacted the leading edge of the left wing. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure. The pilot assessed the damage and determined that he could continue to his destination airport, where he landed without further issue. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.