Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting training maneuvers when a bird strike occurred. The student was flying S-turns over a road at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level. A bald eagle struck the right horizontal stabilizer of the aircraft.
Pilot Actions
After the impact, the flight instructor took control of the aircraft, declared an emergency, and proceeded to land at the nearest airport. The control yoke was described as "buffeting" during the flight, but the engine continued to run smoothly. On final approach, the instructor noticed that the rudder controls were impaired. However, the wind was calm, so the landing was completed without further incident.
Aircraft Damage
Post-flight examination revealed a large indentation on the right horizontal stabilizer with bird feathers embedded in it. The right side of the horizontal stabilizer was canted. Additionally, the tail cone had been pushed upward and was in contact with the rudder, impeding its movement.