No fatalities

Pilot Avoids Eagle During Final Approach, Impacts Trees and Runway (N2762Q)

Matincus Island, ME, US

On July 8, 2007, a Cessna 182K (registration N2762Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Matincus Island, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An evasive maneuver to avoid a bird, while on final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees. 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

During a short final approach to runway 18, a pilot performed a steep left turn to avoid an eagle, then applied full power to clear trees but struck them with the nose landing gear, leading to a runway impact and substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a short final approach to runway 18, an eagle suddenly appeared very close to the right side of the airplane. To avoid a collision, the pilot executed a steep left turn and applied full power in an attempt to clear the tree line located to the left of the runway.

Sequence of Events

Despite the evasive maneuver, the nose landing gear struck the trees. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane before or during the incident.

Damage

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 2007 Cessna 182K accident near Matincus Island, ME?

During a short final approach to runway 18, a pilot performed a steep left turn to avoid an eagle, then applied full power to clear trees but struck them with the nose landing gear, leading to a runway impact and substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 2007 Cessna 182K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 2007 involved a Cessna 182K, registration N2762Q, at Matincus Island, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An evasive maneuver to avoid a bird, while on final approach, which resulted in an in-flight collision with trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070807X01135. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.