Incident Details
The pilot of a multiengine airplane reported that, while on a descending vector for a visual instrument landing system (ILS) approach under an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan, the aircraft experienced a shudder accompanied by a loud bang. This occurred at an altitude between approximately 2,500 and 2,800 feet mean sea level. In response, the pilot disengaged the autopilot to check the flight controls and visually inspected the wing and nose area for damage; no damage was observed from the cockpit.
Landing and Post-Landing Observations
The pilot continued the approach and landed the airplane at the destination airport without further incident. During the landing rollout, a waiting aircraft on the ground reported that they had observed damage to the vertical stabilizer of the landing airplane.
Damage Assessment
Subsequent examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.