Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s impact with a bird during approach.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while being vectored for an instrument landing system approach on an instrument flight plan, he flew through some clouds, and the airplane encountered multiple birds. One bird struck the left wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, while being vectored for an instrument landing system approach on an instrument flight plan, he flew through some clouds and encountered multiple birds. He added that one bird struck the left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.