Incident Details
A training flight involving a pilot and a safety pilot experienced a bird strike while climbing after a practice instrument approach. The pilot reported that after takeoff, he performed airwork for about one hour and then proceeded to Hernando County Airport for two or three practice instrument approaches. During a climb out at 2,000 feet between 110 and 120 knots following another approach, he saw a large bird fly past the windshield and felt an impact. No discrepancy with flight controls was noted. As the lesson was nearly complete, the flight proceeded to the departure airport and landed uneventfully. The airplane was secured and visually inspected, revealing a dent in the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot remained overnight at the airport and departed the next day for an airport on the east coast of Florida.
The safety pilot reported that she was flying with the pilot to complete his annual recurrent training. After initial departure, they went to Hernando County Airport to practice instrument approaches. The pilot-in-command had been holding at the published holding intersection (AZBOG). He departed the holding pattern, began climbing, and while flying at 2,500 feet mean sea level and 120 knots indicated airspeed, collided with a bird. No effect on flight controls was noted, and the flight proceeded to the initial departure airport. After landing, external damage was observed.
Damage Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was crushed up near left butt line 38.177. Inspection disclosed that the canted frame assembly (part number 84246-800), located at fuselage station 311.382, was torn adjacent to the forward attach bolt of the left horizontal stabilizer. Additionally, an angle (part number 84218-2), which is riveted to and part of the canted frame assembly, exhibited a section missing below and outboard of the forward attach bolt. Evidence of displacement between the forward attach bolt and the canted frame assembly was noted.
Bird Identification
Personnel from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History identified the bird as the Black Vulture (Coryagyps atratus), which has a weight range between 42-75 ounces.