Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a large bird while on the downwind leg of a traffic pattern.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that he was on the left downwind leg of a traffic pattern when a large buzzard struck the leading edge of the single-engine airplane's left wing. The pilot reported that there were no difficulties maintaining control of the airplane and that he was able to make a normal landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wing's rib structure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA365 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brownwood, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Brownwood (BWD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172RG
- N-number
- N6393R
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.