The flight instructor and the pilot-rated student were flying in the traffic pattern at the airport in Newport News, Virginia, practicing landings in the Cessna 172.
During the initial climb following a touch-and-go landing, with the student at the controls, a large bird flew directly in front of the airplane. The student attempted to avoid it however, the bird struck the leading edge of the left wing.
The flight instructor took over the controls and landed the airplane uneventfully.
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found that the wing had been substantially damaged as a result of the birdstrike.
Probable Cause: An inflight collision with a bird during initial climb.
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This December 2023 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.
Just like some time ago, Probable cause of accident plane hit tree. Yup that might do it alright.
IT’s high time to require all birds to undergo re-education Re: FAA rules, and to revoke their licenses until they prove worthy.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
/J
I had a virtually brand new (200 hours) 1978 172
on lease back with a flying club at ELP in 1980.
Someone had taken it on a long, four day trip and returned one afternoon. I went out to fly the next morning and found a very similar dent as the one in the photo above. The club member had encountered a goose at 8500 MSL while cruising about 110 nymph. I was naturally upset, but the crusty old AP/IA who ran the club assured me that
“These things happen” and within a week or so, it had been repaired as good as new.
It could have been much worse. Like…taking it in the windscreen! The pilot was shaken but otherwise okay.
The bird was not ads-b equipped? Arrest him. Sorry, too late.
You have to love the probable cause comment….well DUH!!!
Most of them are that way: Pilot failed to control airplane. No xxxx Sherlock!