During an instructional cross-country flight at a cruise altitude of 8,500 feet mean sea level (msl), a bird impacted the leading edge of the airplane's right wing. The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported the airplane remained controllable, but had a tendency to roll to the right and he elected to land at a nearby airport. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the right wing, approximately 2-3 feet inboard of the wing tip.

No preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane were reported.