On 25 Jun 2017, a CESSNA 172 K operated by Western Oregon Flight Services was involved in an aviation accident near Roseburg, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight collision with a bird during the approach. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot performing touch and go landings experienced a bird strike during a left turn. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing ribs and leading edge, but the pilot landed safely without further incident.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while conducting touch-and-go landings in the traffic pattern, a flock of approximately ten large birds appeared below the nose of the airplane during a left descending turn from downwind to base. The pilot stated that the birds came into view quickly, and he was unable to take evasive action before the aircraft struck them.
Impact and Damage
Following the strike, the pilot heard and felt an impact, and immediately noticed "an appreciable drag on the left side." Visible damage to the left wing was observed. The pilot successfully landed the airplane without further incident. Post-landing inspection revealed substantial damage to the left wing ribs and leading edge.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.