NTSB Factual Report

The flight instructor reported that, while the student pilot was flying on downwind, he noticed a bird approaching the airplane. He added that he took the flight controls from the student, banked left, but the airplane struck the bird. The airplane landed without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Diagram page for the airport in part stated: "Birds and wildlife on and invof [in vincinity of] arpt."

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight collision with a bird while on downwind.