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Pilot Avoids Bird Strike but Collides with Trees During Takeoff (N25053)

Opa Locka, FL, US

On November 25, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N25053) was involved in an aviation accident near Opa Locka, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID A FLOCK OF BIRDS, RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTOR(S) INCLUDED: ATTENTION DIVERTED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a personal flight departed Opa Locka Airport for touch-and-go landings. During takeoff from an outlying airport, birds entered the flight path; the pilot maneuvered without establishing a positive climb rate, colliding with trees. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no injuries were reported.

Accident

A pilot conducting a personal flight departed Opa Locka Airport, Opa Locka, Florida, under visual flight rules (VFR) to an outlying airport for touch-and-go landings. No flight plan was filed. During a takeoff from the outlying airport, birds entered the airplane's flight path on initial climb. The pilot maneuvered the airplane to avoid a bird strike, but did not establish a positive rate of climb. The airplane subsequently collided with trees.

Aftermath

Following the collision with trees, the pilot continued the flight back to the original departure airport and landed without further incident.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision. The pilot and one passenger were not injured.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 1990 Cessna 152 accident near Opa Locka, FL?

A pilot on a personal flight departed Opa Locka Airport for touch-and-go landings. During takeoff from an outlying airport, birds entered the flight path; the pilot maneuvered without establishing a positive climb rate, colliding with trees. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Nov 1990 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25053, at Opa Locka, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB WHILE MANEUVERING TO AVOID A FLOCK OF BIRDS, RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTOR(S) INCLUDED: ATTENTION DIVERTED.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24663. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.