Probable cause
The in-flight collision with a bird.
NTSB analysis
The flight departed Brainard-Hartford Airport and was approximately 5 miles to the northeast at 1,800 feet msl when a large bird was observed on a collision course. The pilot banked left to avoid the bird and continued the climb. As the bird went out of sight, a "loud thump" was heard, and the pilot reported the bird strike to ATC. After returning to the airport, the right wing was inspected and found to have substantial damage. Published airport remarks include the following: "Birds and deer on and in vicinity of the airport."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA017 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manchester, Connecticut
- Nearest airport
- Hartford-Brainard (KHFD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182T
- N-number
- N771CP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
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.