Probable cause
The bird strike during approach for landing.
NTSB analysis
The airplane received substantial damage on impact with a bird identified as a Common Loon (Gavia immer) during approach to runway 23. The pilot reported that the right wing of the airplane struck the bird during the downwind leg of the approach at 1,700 feet mean sea level and 120 knots. The right wing was crushed inward and wrinkled at the impact location. The airplane landed without further incident. The average weight of the Common Loon is 132 ounces.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 25, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Canton, Ohio
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-34-200T
- N-number
- N767PD
- 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.