Probable cause
The airplane’s encounter with a flock of geese during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane’s hard impact with the runway while the pilot maneuvered in an attempt to avoid the geese.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after the airplane lifted off the runway, the pilots observed a flock of geese approaching from the right. The pilot-in-command believed that the birds would impact the cockpit windows, so he pushed forward on the control yoke to descend and avoid such a collision. The airplane struck the runway hard and bounced back into the air. The pilots continued the takeoff and returned to the airport for an uneventful landing. Postaccident examination revealed structural damage to the airframe. Also, bird remains were found on the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA557 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 9, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Washington, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Washington County Airport (AFJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-31-325
- N-number
- N3591P
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
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.