The flight instructor reported that, while en route on an instrument flight plan, about 4,000 feet, they entered a cloud where a flock of large black birds were circling. A bird hit the Piper PA28’s stabilator, causing substantial damage.
He disengaged the autopilot and checked the flight controls for any adverse effects, and none were observed.
The instructor then elected to return to the airport in Wedgefield, Florida, and landed without further incident.
The flight instructor reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: An in-flight collision with a bird.
This October 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
If you see a flock of birds circling , why wouldn’t you divert away from a possible collision,
seems like a very poor decision
Yup, calls into question their judgement?
reread….’ IFR in a cloud…’ . probably no forward vision.!