Incident Overview
A pilot reported encountering a flock of large birds circling while on a 3-mile base leg. In response, the pilot aborted the base leg and executed a rapid descent to avoid the birds. However, the birds followed the airplane. Continuing the dive, the pilot observed power lines in the vicinity and performed an evasive maneuver, diving down to avoid them. During this maneuver, the vertical stabilizer struck the power lines, shearing off the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
Post-Strike Actions
Despite the damage, the pilot maintained control of the airplane and climbed. The pilot declared a mayday and requested flight following to an airport without a crosswind for landing. Approaching at a higher airspeed to reduce left turning tendencies, the pilot landed. During the landing roll, the airplane veered left off the runway into an adjacent grass and mud field.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Report
No other details regarding the pilot, aircraft type, or location were provided in the source. The pilot's account remains the sole basis for this incident description.