No fatalities

Mallard Strike Prompts Emergency Landing of Piper PA-28R-200 Near Arlington (N2742R)

Anacortes, WA, US

On January 19, 1992, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N2742R) operated by Morcom Aviation Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Anacortes, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A BIRD IMPACTING THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 Piper PA-28R-200 struck a mallard while cruising at 140 knots and 1000 feet. The bird penetrated the windshield, passed through the cabin, and lodged in the empennage. The pilot, with minor injuries, landed safely at Arlington using backup glasses.

Incident Overview

A Piper PA-28R-200, operating a flight from Eastsound, Washington, to Everett, Washington, collided with a mallard while en route. The aircraft was cruising at approximately 140 knots indicated airspeed (IAS) at an altitude of about 1000 feet.

Bird Strike and Penetration

The mallard penetrated the pilot's windscreen during the collision. It then passed through the upper cabin and the aft bulkhead before coming to rest in the rear empennage area of the aircraft.

Pilot Actions and Outcome

The pilot sustained minor injuries as a result of the impact. His corrective lenses were knocked off during the event. However, he was able to continue flying using backup glasses. The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing at Arlington, Washington.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28R-200. No other details about the flight, such as the time of day or weather conditions, were provided in the source. The report did not specify the number of occupants on board or mention any other injuries or fatalities.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jan 1992 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Anacortes, WA?

A Piper PA-28R-200 struck a mallard while cruising at 140 knots and 1000 feet. The bird penetrated the windshield, passed through the cabin, and lodged in the empennage. The pilot, with minor injuries, landed safely at Arlington using backup glasses.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jan 1992 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jan 1992 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N2742R, operated by Morcom Aviation Services, Inc., at Anacortes, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A BIRD IMPACTING THE AIRCRAFT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14045. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.