Probable cause
An inadvertent collision with a bird, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.
NTSB analysis
While climbing through 2,500 feet after takeoff, the pilot observed a red-tailed hawk approaching the airplane from below. The hawk impacted the left wing, and the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing. The airplane subsequently landed without incident. Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA419 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pepperell, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Pepperell Airport (26MA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dehavilland DHC 6 TWIN OTTER
- N-number
- N202EH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Skydiving
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.