Probable cause
An inflight collision with a bird while on initial climb.
NTSB analysis
While on initial climb, a bird impacted the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer. The leading edge of the stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The airplane was controllable, and the pilot executed an uneventful landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA203 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Windsor, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- (FNL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Nanchang CJ6
- N-number
- N443LM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.