Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to see birds due to darkness.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the CESSNA 172 was performing night landings in order to maintain his night currency. He had momentarily departed the pattern, and then reentered on a 45 degree entry for downwind, in order to practice a pattern entry at night. Just prior to turning downwind, the pilot saw canadian geese illuminated in the aircraft's landing light. About one second later one goose came through the windscreen, and at least one other goose impacted the left wing.
Source record
Factual narrative
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