Accident Details
On August 2, 2020, at approximately 1017 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172, registration N55231, experienced a collision during approach to Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) near San Jose, California. The airplane was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot reported that while on the downwind leg for runway 31, the right wing struck an unknown object. The airplane subsequently yawed to the right and lost altitude. The pilot notified the tower and executed a precautionary landing on runway 31. The pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the right wing's leading edge, just outboard of the side strut. The leading edge was crushed aft, exposing internal wing structure. Feather fragments were found on these internal surfaces. During a search of the area below the downwind leg traffic pattern, a deceased golden eagle and a small hobby drone were located. The drone was mostly intact with faded finishes, and search personnel noted that it appeared to have been present for some time.
Laboratory Analysis
Sections of the damaged wing were sent to the NTSB Materials Laboratory. Ultraviolet light inspection revealed a fluorescing substance consistent with biological fluids. Feathers retrieved from the golden eagle and those collected from the airplane's wing were analyzed at the Smithsonian Institute's Feather Identification Lab. The results identified the species as golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). These findings were consistent with biological material recovered near the accident location and supported an in-flight collision with the golden eagle.