The fun never ends - BIRD STRIKE :(

[WingnutWick]

Today's adventure involved the ol' lady flying our new 10 into a flock of large birds and taking one on the wing, outboard of the fuel tank. No change in flight characteristics on the RTB and not a direct hit on the rib, though some buckling goes up to the rib. Hopefully mostly cosmetic-ish in regards to structural damage (as cosmetic as damage to a wing can be I mean).

So.....sighhhh....where to go from here from those in the know. Anyone know someone in CA (or nearby) who is good at repairing something like this. Open to suggestions and advice.

Thanks as always.

CW

[abwaldal@gmail.com]

OUCH!!! I dodged an eagle at 3500 yesterday. He was only about 100 feet above me with his wings tucked back.
I was lucky I didn't have to join the BS club.
Art

[rockwoodrv9]

Sorry for you. That sucks. Best of luck getting it repaired. PM sent.

[pierre smith]

A while back, I had some bad damage near the wingtip of my Air Tractor 502 and bought an inspection port kit, complete with a ring, inspection plate. I cut a hole to match just behind the damage, used a ball from a tow hitch and my body man friend to remove most of the damage.

Pain in the Azz,

[rv8or]

If you cut a hole and fit an inspection plate as Pierre suggests, make the plate structural.

Just my tuppence worth.

Rob

[turbo]

yes, bird strikes, one of my biggest concerns while flying. one of our local rv8s took a hit in the lower cowl this month. you hear about this all the time. keep your eyes outside as much as possible and learn to react when they are in front and up in the windshield.

[nohoflyer]

Ouch. That’s a fuel tank. Good news is that it screws off. Bad news it’s a pain in the butt to build.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by nohoflyer

Ouch. That’s a fuel tank. Good news is that it screws off. Bad news it’s a pain in the butt to build.

You're half-right. He said it was outboard of the tank, so it doesn't unscrew. But it will still be a pain in the butt to replace.

[Walt]

Originally Posted by turbo

yes, bird strikes, one of my biggest concerns while flying. one of our local rv8s took a hit in the lower cowl this month. you hear about this all the time. keep your eyes outside as much as possible and learn to react when they are in front and up in the windshield.

Agree, and although slowing down is against most RV pilots goal in life, it a good way to give both the bird and yourself more time to react.

[rjcthree]

I’m in the BS club with a big hit and maybe a small one, but through my training, I don’t recall ever having training about a target rich environment, do to speak. Is there a good article or similar?