The pilot reported that, during straight-and-level flight near Northway, Alaska, a large bird hit the Cub Crafters CC18’s right wing.
The airplane’s control became degraded, and he chose an off-airport landing site and landed the airplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The airplane’s collision with a bird during straight-and-level flight.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA541
This September 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Lights “ON” day and night is supposed to help. Maybe it does. So far I’ve flown CLOSE to a couple of hawks, but never hit one. Several years ago (no lights on, it was mid day) I hit a seagull a few seconds after takeoff. The airport where I was based had a land fill 1/4 off the departure end of the runway… I guess that’s one VERY GOOD reason for the FAA frowning on dumps near airports. :O
Thats a hell of a thing. I live in the Yukon. I have passed bald eagles a number of time that appear to be gliding at my altitude and perhaps a couple f hundred feet away. It is a beautiful sight to behold, especially if the sky is blue. There white heads make an amazing contrast with the blue sky.
What I do when this happens is initiate a shallow turn away from the eagle. I was wondering if this fellow hot a bald eagle.