Probable cause
The inadvertent in-flight collision with a goose.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight at 2,500 feet above mean sea level and was flying with an airspeed of about 120 knots. He saw a goose pass from left to right just above the engine cowl. The airplane sustained substantial damage when the bird struck the right wing. He declared an emergency to an air traffic controller and diverted to an airport. He stated that the smell of fuel was present during the emergency landing and that he landed without further incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA209 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Muskegon, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Muskegon County Airport (MKG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
True Flight Holdings Llc AA-5B
- N-number
- N969SH
- 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.