18 Nov 2016: BEECH A36 UNDESIGNAT

18 Nov 2016: BEECH A36 UNDESIGNAT — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Ft. Myers, FL, United States

Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a flock of birds.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The co-pilot reported "a flock of buzzards" passed in front of the airplane while en-route, and "the PIC [pilot in command] took evasive action." He further reported a buzzard collided with the airplane at the top of the windscreen and there was a "loud bomb like bang/thump" followed by a loud rush of air. Subsequently, the pilot in command declared an emergency with air traffic control and landed at the nearest airport without further incident.

The windscreen was substantially damaged.

The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Ability to respond/compensate

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 060/09kt, vis 10sm

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