On March 13, 2002, about 2000 central standard time, a Cessna 152, N5111H, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted a goose while in cruise flight at 2,200 feet msl over Christopher, Illinois. Night visual metrological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight departed the Benton Municipal Airport, Benton, Illinois, at 1940. According to the pilot's written statement, while in cruise flight the airplane encountered a flock of Canadian geese and impacted a goose with the right wing. The pilot reported after the impact he, "... turned on my landing light to find that I was surrounded by Canadian geese." The pilot stated that he immediately climbed to 3,500 feet and landed at Southern Illinois Airport, Carbondale, Illinois, without any difficulties.