The pilot reported that during the initial climb from the airport in Gainesville, Florida, about 1,500 feet mean sea level, a bird was flying vertical and then turned into the airplane.
The bird hit the Cessna 210’s propeller, continued through the left side of the windshield, and struck the pilot in the face.
After regaining control of the airplane, he declared an emergency and landed the airplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield.
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 impact by a bird during the initial climb.
This December 2019 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.
A bird’s instinctive method of escape from any danger is to go vertical, DOWN. Never fly close under a bird
Kudos to the pilot who focused on flying the aircraft, acted competently and effectively as PIC throughout the flight, and remained in command of the situation from immediately after the eagle went through the left side of the wind screen and impacted his face through the post impact landing, and when he was transported to the hospital ER for post bird impact medical care and necessary medical tests. Kudos!
Bird going vertical ? Unauthorized aerobatics in controlled airspace?