N7086Z

On March 30, 2007, at 1030 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-31-310, N7086Z, collided in flight with a large bird 15 miles north of Victorville and made a precautionary landing at Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, California. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the commercial pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot departed from Victorville and was destined for Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno, California.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that during climb out, the flight encountered a flock of birds. He attempted to maneuver around the birds; however, one collided with the left wing, outboard of the left engine. The pilot elected to return to Victorville for a precautionary landing. As he slowed the airplane to land, the left wing became unstable and tried to drop. He continued his approach to the runway at a higher than normal speed and landed uneventfully.