On April 28, 1998, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration N2125N) was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision with a bird, which separated a fuel line causing a loss of engine power, and resulting in an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A large bird struck an airplane shortly after takeoff, entering the engine compartment and separating a fuel line, resulting in engine failure and a forced landing that caused substantial damage.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident began immediately after takeoff when a large bird struck the front of the airplane. The bird entered the engine compartment, and the impact separated a fuel line, leading to a loss of engine power. Subsequently, the engine stopped completely.
Emergency Landing
The pilot executed an emergency landing into a rough field. During the landing, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the landing and impact with the tree.
Aircraft Damage
No further details about the extent of damage beyond substantial damage to the airplane were provided in the source. The left main gear collapse and left wing strike were the specific damage events noted.