Accident Summary
The accident occurred during the takeoff roll when a hawk struck the airplane's windscreen and then impacted the vertical stabilizer and rudder. As a result, the airplane veered to the right, departed the prepared surface of the runway, and nosed over.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The structure of these components was compromised due to the impact and subsequent lodging of the hawk.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination revealed that the hawk had become lodged between the vertical stabilizer and the rudder. This obstruction interfered with the normal operation of the flight controls, specifically deflecting the rudder to the right. Investigators determined that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or its engine that would have precluded normal operation during the takeoff roll.