Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during the descent to land, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The airplane struck a common loon during the descent to land, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot reported that the airplane was about 10 miles from the airport and descending through about 3,500 to 3,000 feet mean sea level when the bird strike occurred.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA262 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 28, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Cherry Capital (TVC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Embraer EMB 135KL
- N-number
- N299SK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
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.