On September 6, 2006, a Cessna T206H (registration N2430A) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Rapids, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight collision with a bird during climb to cruise altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a bird strike during climb at 3,000 feet, causing left wing leading edge damage. The aircraft became difficult to control, prompting an emergency declaration and safe return to departure airport.
Incident Description
A pilot reported that during a climb through 3,000 feet mean sea level toward the assigned cruise altitude, a bird appeared from below the airplane's nose. The pilot banked right in an attempt to avoid contact, but the bird struck the left wing. The pilot stated that the resulting damage made the airplane difficult to control, prompting a declaration of emergency and a return to the departure airport. The landing was completed without further incident.
Inspection Findings
A post-accident inspection revealed leading edge crushing of the left wing, extending aft to the forward spar, between the wing strut and the landing light assembly.