Bird Strike Damages Wing Tip During Low-Level Lake Flyover (N770AS)

What happened

The airline transport certificated pilot was conducting a cross-country positioning flight when the decision was made to fly approximately 200 feet above ground level (agl) directly over a small lake. During this low-altitude maneuver, a large brown bird struck the left wing tip of the aircraft. Following the landing, the pilot inspected the airplane and discovered that the wing tip faring had been completely detached. The impact caused visible damage to the outboard end of the wing as well as the left aileron.

The investigation

Post-flight inspection confirmed the physical damage sustained during the bird strike. The primary mechanical findings included the loss of the wing tip faring and structural damage to the outboard wing section and the left aileron control surface.

Findings

The collision with wildlife occurred during an intentional low-altitude flight phase over terrain features. The specific contributing factor was the impact with a large brown bird, which resulted in the loss of aerodynamic fairing and damage to primary flight control surfaces.