Pilot Debrief

Vans Aircraft RV-7A near Hollister, CA — 2008-05-03

Final reportSEA08CA123
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Date
2008-05-03
Location
Hollister, CA, USA
Airport
1C9
Aircraft
Vans Aircraft RV-7A
Registration
N269SD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The in-flight collision with a bird.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb, a large bird impacted the leading edge of the left wing slightly outboard of the fuel tank. The airplane immediately yawed and banked to left. The pilot attempted to straighten the airplane and land, however, despite his control inputs, the airplane continued to roll to the left. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground and the airplane cart wheeled. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the outboard sections of both wings and empennage. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the engine or airframe. A large deceased goose was found in the debris field following the accident.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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