While flying from Atlanta, GA to Sarasota, FL, at 11,500 feet, about 20 miles out over the Gulf, at about 180 kts, I hit a duck. At least I think that it was a duck. I saw a black dot and immediately felt the plane take a hit. I first made sure that the throttle worked and then the controls and then looked to see if I could see a hole. There was a mark about 18 inches behind and on top of the left wing about half way between the fuel cap and the stub wing.

No damage was done. Whew!

When I landed in Sarasota, the down was still on the wing. Lucky me. Unlucky bird.

I sure am happy that the bird didn't strike 6 inches lower.
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Lorn H. 'Feathers' Olsen, MAA, DynaComm, Corp.
248-478-4301, mailto:lorn@dynacomm.ws
LNC2, O-320-D1F, N31161, Y47, SE Michigan