Primary finding
Probable cause
A collision with a bird while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane struck an eagle on the downwind leg in the airport traffic pattern. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right outboard wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane struck an eagle on the downwind leg in the airport traffic pattern. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right outboard wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.