What happened
On February 6, 2021, at approximately 13:00 local time, a Cessna 172K, registration TG-DQB, was performing a flight originating from the Ingenio la Trinidad airfield in Masagua. While the aircraft was entering the traffic pattern for landing at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, the air traffic control tower instructed the pilot to execute an extended pattern for a right-hand approach to runway 20.
While maneuvering over the area near the zone 3 landfill, approximately 3.0 nautical miles north-northeast of the airport, the aircraft struck a bird, identified as a *Cathartes aura* (Turkey Vulture). The impact occurred on the middle section of the left wing. Despite the strike, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and successfully completed the landing at La Aurora International Airport.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the UIA examined the flight sequence and the physical condition of the aircraft. The inspection of the Cessna 172K revealed compression damage on the upper surface of the left wing caused by the impact. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating under a valid airworthiness certificate and that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate at the time of the event.