GA pilot reported while on approach a bird strike penetrated the windshield and resulted in considerable noise and wind but pilot made a safe landing.

Date: 2022-09 · Aircraft: Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear · Phase: approach

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|inflight-event-encounter-bird-animal

Synopsis

GA pilot reported while on approach a bird strike penetrated the windshield and resulted in considerable noise and wind but pilot made a safe landing.

Narrative

The incident occurred at approximately XA00 Day 0 during an IFR XC from ZZZ1 to ZZZ in VMC. While flying the full published RNAVXX approach to ZZZ; after being cleared for the approach; completing the procedure turn and established inbound around ZZZZZ (~10NM from ZZZ) at 2200 ft. in approach configuration (110kts 50% flap; Autopilot) a bird (eagle?) struck the windshield high on the pilot side. Pilot was wearing foggles for the approach while the co-pilot/safety pilot was monitoring the UNICOM and pattern traffic.No birds had been observed in the vicinity until the strike.The impact created a large hole in the windshield sending plexiglass; bird feathers blood and gore into the face and torso of the pilot as well as throughout the cabin. There was considerable wind noise making radio/intercom communication difficult.Bird was lodged head down at the windshield / fuselage roof intersection and had penetrated several inches into the composite roof structure. Bird was removed from that location by pilot to regain visibility.Co-pilot radioed ATC/Unicom (there were two other aircraft in the pattern) to report the strike while pilot flew plane and landed safely. Injuries were minor cuts and bruises to the pilot.IFR plan was closed on the ground.Only one hit was heard/felt and the engine continued to run normally. So not sure if the bird struck the prop before hitting the windshield or if the bird struck from above without striking the prop. Given the angles involved it was not possible to see and avoid.Staff at ZZZ advised that this was the second bird strike in the vicinity of the airport in the last week.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.