Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA063

San Diego, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N172SX

CESSNA 172N

Analysis

The pilot reported that, about 2 miles from his destination, he made a left turn to enter the downwind leg for landing when a bird came "out of the sun." The pilot made a hard right turn to avoid the bird and prevent it from coming through the windscreen. The bird subsequently collided with the leading edge of the left wing. The pilot continued to his intended destination without further incident. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that, about two miles from his destination, he made a left turn to enter the downwind leg for landing when a bird came out of the sun. The pilot made a hard right turn to avoid the bird from coming through the windscreen. The bird subsequently collided with the leading edge of the left wing. The pilot continued to his intended destination without further incident. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

An in-flight collision with a bird.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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