Aviation Accident Final Report
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas
https://registry.faa.gov/N519RV
https://registry.faa.gov/N519RV
Location: GRANBURY, Texas
Accident Number: CEN20CA048
Date & Time: December 30, 2019, 15:05 Local
Registration: N519RV
Aircraft: Vans RV 10
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while in the traffic pattern and turning from base to final, a large bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure and made the airplane difficult to control. The pilot was able to land safely on the intended runway. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane's impact with a bird while on approach.
Findings
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on operation
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Ability to respond/compensate
History of Flight
Approach
Birdstrike (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 53,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: December 1, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: July 21, 2018
Flight Time: 1647 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1556 hours (Total, this make and model), 1604 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 4.5 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4.5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0.6 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Vans
Registration: N519RV
Model/Series: RV 10 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 40250
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 1, 2019
Condition Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2900 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1236 Hrs
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO540
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 260 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KGDJ,778 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 10 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 21:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 298°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 18 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: Unknown / Unknown
Wind Direction: 320°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: Unknown / Unknown
Altimeter Setting: 30.18 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C / -5°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Granbury, TX (66TE)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: GRANBURY, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 14:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class G
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.365554,-97.644996(est)