Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-44-180 near West Lafayette, IN — 2023-08-26

Final reportCEN23LA384
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Date
2023-08-26
Location
West Lafayette, IN, USA
Airport
LAF
Aircraft
PIPER PA-44-180
Registration
N767PA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that during the initial climb, about 600 ft above ground level, his student observed a bird under the nose of the airplane. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and maneuvered the airplane in an attempt to avoid the bird. The bird went over the top of the airplane and struck the vertical stabilizer, which resulted in substantial damage. The flight instructor landed the airplane without further incident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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