Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 30 near Naples, FL — 2019-05-11

Final reportERA19FA170
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Date
2019-05-11
Location
Naples, FL, USA
Airport
APF
Aircraft
Piper PA 30
Registration
N7650Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

Incapacitation of the pilot due to a birdstrike through the windshield in front of the pilot's position, while on approach to land.

NTSB narrative

While on approach to the destination airport in visual meteorological conditions, the airplane deviated unannounced from its intended flight path, descended, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the airframe, flight controls, engines, engine systems, and propellers revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Remains of a 3.8-pound Black Vulture was found in the wreckage. A rear seat headrest and two inflatable lift vests located about 440 ft from the main wreckage were found to contain either DNA and/or microscopic feathers from a Black Vulture. Because the Black Vulture was located among the wreckage and because the airplane’s flight path deviation was unannounced, it is likely that the Black Vulture directly impacted and then penetrated the windshield in front of the pilot's position, which incapacitated him, resulting in an uncontrolled descent. The airplane was certificated in accordance with Civil Air Regulation 3, which specified no minimum standard for window or windshield structure strength, or bird penetration.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Other
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach upon sighting the bird hazard.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 16 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents16

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