What happened
On September 7, 2015, at approximately 17:25 local time, a Robin DR 400/500 aircraft, registration HB-KEZ, was conducting a private VFR flight from Sion to Bern-Belp. While cruising at an altitude of roughly 5,200 feet near the Fribourg (FRI) radio beacon, the aircraft sustained a bird strike on the left wing. The impact resulted in a hole in the left wing's leading edge.
Following the incident, the pilot contacted the Bern-Belp airport traffic control center to report the strike and the resulting damage. Although the aircraft remained controllable, the pilot noted that maintaining level flight required increased engine power. In response to the situation, the traffic controller provided the pilot with a direct approach via a left crosswind for runway 32. The airport fire services were alerted as a precaution. The aircraft landed at Bern-Belp without further incident. One passenger on board sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the impact and the subsequent flight management. Investigators established that the aircraft was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) and that the damage was localized to the leading edge of the left wing. The investigation also confirmed the operational response from the Bern-Belp airport authorities and the successful landing of the aircraft.