Pilot Debrief

Piper PA28 near Wedgefield, FL — 2019-10-20

Final reportGAA20CA038
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Date
2019-10-20
Location
Wedgefield, FL, USA
Aircraft
Piper PA28
Registration
N637FT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a bird.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that, while en route on an instrument flight plan, about 4000 ft, the airplane entered a cloud where a flock of large black birds were circling. A bird impacted the stabilator, and he then disengaged the autopilot and checked the flight controls for any adverse effects; he did not see any. The instructor then chose to return to the departure airport and landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the stabilator. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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