What happened
On May 21, 2024, at approximately 15:50 UTC, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration LV-WTR) was performing a general aviation instruction flight at San Fernando Airport (SADF) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The aircraft was in the landing phase of its flight when it encountered a bird. The impact occurred on the right wing of the aircraft, resulting in a dent to a section of the leading edge.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the impact during the approach and landing sequence. The flight was a local instructional mission, departing from and returning to San Fernando Airport. The weather conditions at the time of the occurrence were reported as Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a bird strike involving the right wing of the aircraft.
- The impact caused minor structural damage, specifically a dent in the leading edge of the right wing.
- There were no injuries to the two occupants on board the aircraft.