2000-06-30: Cessna 402C — Naples, FL

Casualties unknown • Naples, FL, US

Probable cause

an inflight collision with a bird during descent that resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's vertical stabilizer spar.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that he had the airport in sight, and was at 2,000 feet, descending to land, when he heard a loud noise, and felt the airplane shudder. He said that the aircraft controls were not affected, so he continued the descent, and made an uneventful landing. After securing the aircraft, the pilot noted that a large turkey buzzard had impacted the vertical stabilizer. A licensed aviation mechanic who examined the aircraft stated that the vertical spar had been bent as a result of the impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-06-30 Cessna 402C accident near Naples, FL?

The pilot stated that he had the airport in sight, and was at 2,000 feet, descending to land, when he heard a loud noise, and felt the airplane shudder. He said that the aircraft controls were not affected, so he continued the descent, and made an uneventful landing. After securing the aircraft, the pilot noted that…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-06-30 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N7037E, at Naples, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

an inflight collision with a bird during descent that resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's vertical stabilizer spar.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21295. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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