Primary finding
Probable cause
The poor in-flight decision of the pilot-in-command to bank the airplane while flying low level instead of climbing to avoid collision with a bird. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was practicing low flight over water and took evasive action to avoid a bird. During the evasive maneuver the left wing struck the water.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 16, 1993, about 1100 Atlantic standard time, N16582, a Cessna 172-M, registered to Pyrometer Assoc. Inc., and operated by James P. Matyas experienced a wing strike while maneuvering over water near Culebra, Puerto Rico, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from San Juan, Puerto Rico, about 20 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that while practicing low flight, about 10 feet above the water, he observed a bird directly ahead, and initiated an evasive maneuver. The left wing struck the water damaging the tip, aileron, and rear spar. He then returned to the airport. The FAA and the NTSB were not notified of this accident until October 25, 1993. -