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NTSB Report
November 20, 2017 · Cessna 172N N · N172SX
San Diego, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 20, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N N (1979)
Tail Number
N172SX
Operator
Personal Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA063
The pilot reported that, about 2 miles from his destination, he made a left turn to enter the downwind leg for landing when a bird came "out of the sun." The pilot made a hard right turn to avoid the bird and prevent it from coming through the windscreen. The bird subsequently collided with the leading edge of the left wing. The pilot continued to his intended destination without further incident. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on operation - C
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, about two miles from his destination, he made a left turn to enter the downwind leg for landing when a bird came out of the sun. The pilot made a hard right turn to avoid the bird from coming through the windscreen. The bird subsequently collided with the leading edge of the left wing. The pilot continued to his intended destination without further incident. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PST
Nearest AirportMontgomery-Gibbs Executive (0nm NW)
Runway28R
Runway Length4577 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N N
Tail NumberN172SX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPersonal Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC