Incident Overview
A private certificated pilot, who was also the airplane's owner, was conducting a local area instructional flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. The flight was accompanied by a certificated flight instructor and a passenger. The airplane was a new, high-performance model, and the instructor was providing transition training to both the pilot-owner and the passenger as part of the aircraft's purchase.
The Bird Strike
While the pilot was maneuvering the airplane in simulated instrument conditions, a large bird struck the left wing. The impact caused structural damage to the wing and ruptured the left wing fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak.
Emergency Landing
Following the collision, the pilot executed an emergency landing at the departure airport. The airplane and its occupants were not reported to have sustained any additional harm beyond the documented damage to the wing and fuel system.
Aircraft Damage
The left wing sustained structural damage, and the left wing fuel tank was ruptured, leading to a fuel leak. No other damage was reported.
Occupants
The three occupants—the pilot-owner, the flight instructor, and the passenger—were not reported to have suffered any injuries as a result of the incident.