Incident
While flying at an altitude of 840 feet over a bayou canal, the pilot of an aircraft observed a large bird strike the leading edge of the right wing. The pilot believed the bird was either an eagle or a vulture. Immediately after the impact, the pilot felt a vibration in the control yoke and had to apply left aileron and left rudder to counteract a tendency for the airplane to roll to the right.
Flight to Airport
Assessing the aircraft's control capability, the pilot decided to return to St. Charles Airport (LS40). The pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) at nearby New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and requested that emergency vehicles be standing by upon landing at LS40. During the approach to LS40, the pilot extended 10 degrees of flaps and reduced airspeed to 120 mph, while continuing to apply left aileron and rudder.
Landing
As the pilot turned the airplane to final approach and further decreased airspeed, the right wing dropped and the airplane rolled between 45 and 90 degrees to the right when airspeed reached 90 to 100 mph. The pilot responded by adding full power, retracting the flaps, and applying full left aileron and left rudder. The airplane descended to 100 feet before the pilot was able to level the wings and begin a climb. Recognizing that airspeed above 120 mph was necessary to maintain control, the pilot contacted the ATC tower at MSY and requested to land there, citing the need for a longer runway and the ability to land at higher than normal speed. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane at MSY without further incident.
Damage
A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the leading edge of the right wing.