Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near STEVENSVILLE, MD — 2021-10-31

Final reportERA22LA044
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Date
2021-10-31
Location
STEVENSVILLE, MD, USA
Airport
W29
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N3HQ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The instructor reported that during the initial climb, about 100 ft above ground level, he observed three birds on his left side, and he banked the airplane right. The trailing bird turned into the airplane, contacted the propeller, continued through the windshield, and struck the instructor in the face. After regaining control of the airplane, the instructor landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield, and the instructor sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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