On 28 May 2018, a CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 UNDESIGNAT operated by FLY UP LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Key, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane’s collision with multiple birds during initial climb, which damaged the propeller and resulted in a subsequent aerodynamic stall because the airspeed could not be maintained. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During initial climb, an airplane struck a flock of birds, leading to propeller vibration and loss of control, subsequently impacting water adjacent to the airport.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, during takeoff initial climb at approximately 90 feet above ground level, the airplane flew through a flock of canary-sized birds. After the bird strikes, the airplane continued to climb, but the propeller then became unbalanced, causing a violent vibration. This was followed by a steep left bank and then a right bank. The pilot recalled that the airspeed decreased, and the stall warning horn sounded. Approximately five seconds later, the airplane impacted a body of water adjacent to the airport in a 60° left bank.
Damage
Photographs provided by Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors showed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.