Probable cause
An in-flight bird strike which resulted in an engine compartment fire that ultimately destroyed the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was on approach to land when he saw birds in his peripheral vision and then heard and felt them impact his airplane. The pilot landed, taxied to the runup pad, and shut down the engine because he smelled something burning. After exiting the airplane, he saw smoke. The pilot used the on-board fire extinguisher in an attempt to extinguish the engine compartment fire but was unsuccessful, and the fire subsequently destroyed the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA267 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Saint James, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- St James Municipal (JYG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SHA-GLASAIR
- N-number
- N3EC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.