Summary
On May 03, 2008, a Vans Aircraft RV-7A (N269SD) was involved in an accident near Hollister, CA. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The in-flight collision with a bird.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report SEA08CA123. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N269SD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The in-flight collision with a bird.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA08CA123