GAA19CA054

Factual narrative

The flight instructor reported that, during a training flight using night vision googles, while in the traffic pattern during a turn, he observed a small flock of geese. Shortly after the observation, a thump was felt and heard by the flight crew. The flight crew reconfigured the rudder and flap setting and was able to land the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor reported that he and the student pilot were conducting a training flight using night vision googles. While the airplane was in the traffic pattern, he saw a small flock of geese. Shortly after, he felt a thump. The student reconfigured the rudder and flap setting and was able to land the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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)-Effect on equipment - C