N79938 – CESSNA 172 – 2017-06-25 NTSB Accident Report

On June 25, 2017, a Cessna 172 (N79938) was involved in an incident near Roseburg, OR. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: An in-flight collision with a bird during the approach.

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.

This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA373. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N79938.