Cessna 525A N368PK accident near Lincoln, Nebraska

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with a flock of American White Pelicans, which resulted in one bird striking the right outboard wing during en route climb from the departure airport.

NTSB analysis

When the airplane reached an initial altitude of 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the departure air traffic controller issued a clearance to 10,000 feet msl and a right turn to about 060 degrees. The flight crew made the right turn and began to climb to 10,000 feet msl. During the climb and after passing about 6,400 feet msl at 200 knots indicated airspeed, the flight crew noted a flock of birds. One of the birds struck the right outboard wing, which resulted in wing spar damage. The airplane returned to the departure airport where it landed without further incident. The airport had a standing notice for bird activity on or in the vicinity of the airport. Further, a medium avian hazard risk existed at the time of the accident for the departure airport area. Although over 90 percent of reported bird strikes occur at or below 3,000 feet above ground level, strikes at higher altitudes are common during migration season. The bird remains were identified as an American White Pelican.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA053 for the full record.