CESSNA 172S near Morgan Hill, CA — 2026-06-11

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a bird.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported that during a training flight, while performing maneuvers at 1,200 ft mean sea level, they observed a large bird to the right of the airplane. The pilot maneuvered to avoid the bird; however, the bird collided with the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage. Following the bird strike, the flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and landed uneventfully.

NTSB coding

• Birdstrike · Maneuvering

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1- FLIGHT INSTRUCTORform
• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1- PILOTform
• INVESTIGATION PHOTOGRAPHSphotos

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