CESSNA 172RG near Rocky Mount, NC — 2022-02-06

Probable cause

An inflight collision with a bird, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that as he was turning on the left downwind leg, he observed 5 or 6 large birds about 200 ft ahead of him, which appeared to be moving mostly downward and to the left of his heading. He attempted to climb and turn right to avoid them, but impacted one of the birds with the airplane’s left wing, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Birdstrike · Approach-VFR pattern downwind

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD - INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM INSPECTOR MARK C. ALLENform
• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PILOT STATEMENTinterview
• PHOTOSphotos

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