Casualties unknown

2000-10-21: Piper PA-44-180 (N928ER) — Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona Beach, FL, US

On October 21, 2000, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N928ER) was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an inadvertent inflight collision with a bird during cruise flight that resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced a bird strike at 2,000 feet, leading to substantial damage and a precautionary landing at Spruce Creek, Florida.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that while conducting a training flight, the aircraft was in level flight at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet when a large bird struck the outboard section of the right wing's leading edge. The instructor immediately declared an emergency, took control of the airplane from the student pilot, and executed a precautionary landing at Spruce Creek, Florida.

Aircraft Damage

A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed substantial damage as a result of the bird strike. The impact compromised the structural integrity of the wing, necessitating repairs. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the source.

Flight Crew Actions

The instructor's swift response ensured a safe landing despite the damage. The student pilot was not reported to have been injured. The source did not specify the time of day, weather conditions, or whether air traffic control was involved.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the risks posed by bird strikes during low-altitude flight. The flight instructor's decision to execute a precautionary landing mitigated further potential hazards.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22218. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.