DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 42 near New Smyrna, FL — 2012-03-12

Probable cause

An inadvertent encounter with a bird during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and the student pilot were in cruise flight at 1,600 feet above the ground, preparing to land after an instructional flight, when they noticed three buzzards that were ahead, below, and to the right of their airplane and climbing. The pilots entered a climbing left turn and successfully avoided two of the birds; however, the remaining bird suddenly changed direction and impacted the right wing, resulting in substantial damage to its composite structure. After advising air traffic controllers of the encounter, the pilots landed the airplane uneventfully at a nearby airport.

NTSB coding

• Birdstrike · Enroute-cruise

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photo 1 - Damage to Right Wing from Forward (Photo Courtesy of Operator)photos
• Photo 2 - Damage to Right Wing Looking Toward Wing Tip (Photo Courtesy of Operator)photos

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