Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near El Cajon, CA — 2010-03-13

Final reportWPR10CA157
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Date
2010-03-13
Location
El Cajon, CA, USA
Airport
SEE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N8441B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a bird in the downwind leg of the airport's traffic pattern.

NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student performed a series of takeoffs and landings at the airport. The airplane's anti-collision light was operating. Clouds were located about 2,800 feet above ground level and the visibility was 25 miles. There was light turbulence in the area. While in the downwind leg for their fourth landing, the air traffic controller requested that the pilot fly an extended downwind leg. The CFI stated that "shortly thereafter, we noticed a red-tail hawk slightly ahead and at our same altitude. Upon sighting the bird, I immediately took control from my student and initiated a climbing turn to the left. A few seconds later we heard a loud impact on our right wing tip. I immediately looked out the window and noticed the wing had extensive damage." The CFI reported that she immediately landed, and during the approach she did not detect any noticeable effect on the airplane's performance. A 3-foot-long by 8-inch-deep area of the right wing's leading edge was crushed aft, and the internal wing structure was bent. No residue from the bird was found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Other
First missed decision gate
Avoiding the bird by changing altitude or direction earlier could have prevented the impact.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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