Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s impact with a bird resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern he saw two large birds. He stated “birds” to his student, took the controls, and attempted to avoid the birds. One of the birds impacted the leading edge of the right wing resulting in substantial damage. The flight instructor subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.