[Chad C. Mulligan]

bird strike...???...

I call BS on that.

And that isn't by any stretch "the whole leading edge of the wing".

Not optimal, but the only effect would be a small bias on the roll axis when the flaps are down.

Fatigue failure? Improper assembly? Can't know until after the inquest.

[Ikeon]

You are right, thats a flap not the "wing".

'tis but a scratch!! Now FLY ON to beantown. .