Loud Bang and Shake During Descent Precede Wing Damage on Cessna 172P

Incident Description

During a descent initiated 10 to 12 miles northeast of the destination airport, both the private pilot and the flight instructor heard a "loud bang" and felt the airplane shake. The pilots agreed that all engine gauges and flight instruments indicated normal operation, and no changes to the flight characteristics were noted. At the time of the bang, the strobe lights and navigation lights were on, but the landing lights had not yet been turned on.

Damage Assessment

After landing and further examination of the airplane, blood and feathers were observed on the right wing. Substantial damage was incurred to the main spar and leading edge of the right wing.