Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that, while performing maneuvers about 800 ft above the ground, a bird impacted the left wing. He added that he returned to the airport without further incident. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The flight instructor reported that, while performing maneuvers about 800 ft above the ground, a bird impacted the left wing. He added that he returned to the airport without further incident. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.