Summary
On Wednesday, 12 January 2022, at 0850Z, a Cessna 182P aircraft, registered ZS-IWG, was involved in a bird strike accident during a training flight conducted under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight, operated under visual flight rules (VFR) by day, had departed from Port Elizabeth International Airport (FAPE) in the Eastern Cape province with an intended destination of Uitenhage Aerodrome for precautionary landing exercises. The aircraft was occupied by a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Events
While en route to Uitenhage Aerodrome, flying at approximately 900 feet above ground level (AGL), the flight instructor observed a bird flying overhead and close to the aircraft. Immediately afterward, a loud thud was heard. The instructor took over the controls and verified control integrity before deciding to return to Port Elizabeth International Airport. The return flight was uneventful. Upon landing, the instructor inspected the aircraft and discovered that the bird had struck the vertical stabiliser, causing substantial damage. Both occupants were not injured. The accident occurred during daylight hours.
Aircraft Information
- Make/Model: Cessna 182P
- Serial Number: 182-63424
- Registration: ZS-IWG
- Total Aircraft Hours: 2406.1
- Pilot-in-command: Male, age 25, holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with 1444.7 total flying hours, including 69.2 hours on type.
Damage
Substantial damage to the vertical stabiliser.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by a bird striking the vertical stabiliser of the aircraft during flight.
Safety Actions
None.
Safety Recommendations
None.