Accident to the Robin DR400 registered F-GKQE on 29/07/2022 at Biarritz

The aeroplane was on final when a bird struck the propeller and then the leading edge of the LH wing. The aeroplane remained controllable and the student pilot was able to land without further incident.

The low speed of the aeroplane on final and the short remaining flight time may have contributed to limiting the damage caused by the collision. These elements and there being no consequence on the controllability of the aeroplane might have led the instructor not to take the controls for
the landing.

In other circumstances, the damage caused by a birdstrike can make the aeroplane difficult to control. This was the case on 18 April 2021 when a cormorant struck the LH wing of the DR400 registered F‑GNNE while in cruise. The high kinetic energy of the collision along with the limited strength of the wing composed of wood and canvas contributed to the extensive damage.

In the case of a bird strike, as for any occurrence or failure in instruction which could comprise the safety of the flight, the DSAC recommends that the instructor take the controls.