On July 3, 2005, a Cessna 207 (registration N48CF) was involved in an aviation accident near Bethel, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to avoid a large bird during cruise flight, which resulted in structural damage to the left wing spar. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot flying solo at 1,000 feet agl attempted to avoid a large bird but collided with it, resulting in structural damage to the left wing spar.
What happened
The flight was underway during cruise conditions at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level. The pilot, who was operating the aircraft solo under commercial rules, observed a large bird approaching the airplane from the front. In an effort to prevent impact, the pilot initiated a right turn maneuver.
Despite these evasive actions, the bird made contact with the left side of the aircraft. Following the incident, a thorough postaccident inspection was conducted on the airframe. The examination confirmed that the collision had caused structural damage specifically to the left wing spar.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to avoid a large bird during cruise flight, which resulted in structural damage to the left wing spar.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Jul 2005 Cessna 207 accident near Bethel, AK?
A commercial pilot flying solo at 1,000 feet agl attempted to avoid a large bird but collided with it, resulting in structural damage to the left wing spar.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jul 2005 Cessna 207 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jul 2005 involved a Cessna 207, registration N48CF, at Bethel, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to avoid a large bird during cruise flight, which resulted in structural damage to the left wing spar.
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