GAA17CA373

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he was in the pattern performing touch and go landings. During a left descending turn from downwind to base, about ten large birds came into view below the nose of the airplane. He recalled that they appeared quickly and he was unable to take evasive action. He heard and felt a strike, followed by, "an appreciable drag on the left side." He also saw visible damage to the left wing. The pilot landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing ribs and leading edge. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he was in the pattern performing touch-and-go landings. During a left descending turn from downwind to base, about ten large birds came into view below the airplane's nose. He recalled that they appeared quickly and that he was unable to take evasive action. He heard and felt a strike, followed by "an appreciable drag on the left side." He also saw visible damage to the left wing. The pilot landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing ribs and leading edge. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Ability to respond/compensate - C