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Pilot Avoids Bird on Final Approach, Second Bird Strikes Horizontal Stabilizer

St. Louis, MO, United States

On July 21, 2019, a Cessna 402 C operated by Cape Air was involved in an aviation accident near St. Louis, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane’s collision with a bird during short final. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During short final, a pilot maneuvered to avoid a bird. After leveling wings, a second bird passed through the propeller and struck the horizontal stabilizer, causing substantial damage. The airplane landed safely.

Incident Overview

According to a report from the operator's director of safety, the incident occurred during the final approach phase of flight. The pilot executed a rapid maneuver to avoid a bird in the flight path. After rolling the wings to a level attitude, a second bird entered the propeller arc and subsequently struck the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot continued the approach and landed the aircraft without further incident.

Damage and Inspection

The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The director of safety stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. No other damage or injuries were reported.

Contributing factors

Effect on operationAbility to respond/compensate

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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