On 6 Mar 2009, a CESSNA 172P operated by DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, MS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent encounter with a bird in flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Cessna 172P experienced a loud bang and shaking during descent. Post-flight inspection revealed blood, feathers, and substantial damage to the right wing's main spar and leading edge.
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.