What happened
On June 26, 2005, at approximately 12:18 local time, a student pilot was conducting solo instructional maneuvers at Seville Airport (LEZL). While performing takeoffs and landings on runway 27, the pilot reached an altitude of approximately 1,0-00 feet and turned right to enter the downwind leg of the circuit.
During this maneuver, the pilot observed two large birds flying on an ascending trajectory to the right of the aircraft. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the pilot executed a turn; however, the second bird struck the tip of the right wing. The pilot reported a heavy impact accompanied by a momentary loss of lift and a sudden upward movement of the right wing. Despite the impact, the pilot maintained control of the Cessna C-172 N, registered EC-HQR, and continued the maneuver to complete the landing without further incident. The pilot remained uninjured, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the right wing tip.
The investigation
Investigators examined a feather recovered from the aircraft to identify the species involved. The Institute for Research in Hunting Resources (IREC) confirmed that the feather belonged to a young black vulture in a dispersal phase.
Analysis of the species' behavior indicated that while black vultures are not currently in a migratory pattern through the area, young birds often disperse erratically from their birthplaces to find food. The investigation noted that the Guadalquivir marshes serve as a significant food source, which can lead to increased vulture populations in the region during the autumn months. The presence of this specific bird was determined to be an isolated event rather than part of a larger migratory movement or a nearby breeding colony.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a collision with a black vulture.
- The bird involved was a young individual in the process of dispersal.
- The pilot's actions following the impact were correct, as the pilot maintained aircraft control and completed the landing safely.