Accident Details
During an instrument flight rules (IFR) instructional flight, the aircraft was established on a very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) approach when the pilot in command (PIC) observed a large bird diving into the nose section. The PIC noted that there was no reaction time between the initial observation and the impact. The flight was immediately terminated, and the aircraft was landed as soon as practical without further incident.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage frame as a result of the bird strike. The PIC reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft.
Aftermath
The training flight was concluded early due to the bird strike. The pilot landed the aircraft safely and no further incidents occurred during the landing.