Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that during a training flight, while returning to the airport at 2,500 ft mean sea level, he observed a large bird directly in front of the airplane. The pilot receiving instruction, reported that he too had the bird in sight and initiated a left turn to avoid a head-on collision. The bird subsequently struck the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Following the bird strike, the flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and landed uneventfully.