Primary finding
Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during an approach to land.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The right seat pilot reported that they were passing over mountainous terrain at 5,000 ft mean sea level when a bird shattered 75% of the airplane’s windshield. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the left seat pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight continued to its destination and landed without further incident. The right seat pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.