Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near San Jose, CA — 2020-08-02

Final reportWPR20LA256
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Date
2020-08-02
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
Airport
KRHV
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N55231
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The airplane’s collision with a bird while maneuvering in the airport traffic pattern.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that while in the downwind leg of a traffic pattern, the right wing of the airplane impacted an object. Subsequently, the airplane yawed to the right and lost altitude. The pilot notified the tower and immediately executed a precautionary landing. Postaccident examination of the airplane found damage to the right wing’s leading edge, just outboard of the side strut. The leading edge was crushed aft revealing internal surfaces of the wing structure. Feather fragments were later found on the internal surfaces. A large deceased golden eagle and a small hobby drone were found below the downwind leg traffic area during a search. The hobby drone was mostly undamaged and had signatures indicating that it had been in the area for an extended period of time and was not likely impacted by an airplane. Lab results confirmed the airplane impacted a golden eagle.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Environmental
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the downwind leg near the known wildlife area.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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