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Bird Strike Causes Fuel Line Separation and Emergency Landing (N2125N)

Tampa, FL, US

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.

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Apr 1998 Piper PA-28RT-201T accident near Tampa, FL?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Apr 1998 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration N2125N, at Tampa, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09804. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.