Probable cause
The airplane's impact by a bird during the enroute portion of the flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while enroute to his destination, about 2,400 ft mean sea level, he maneuvered to avoid a flock of birds; however, a bird contacted the left wing. He declared an emergency and landed the airplane at the nearest suitable airport without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA376 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Unadilla, Georgia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-44-180
- N-number
- N442HG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.