Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The instructor reported that during the initial climb, about 100 ft above ground level, he observed three birds on his left side, and he banked the airplane right. The trailing bird turned into the airplane, contacted the propeller, continued through the windshield, and struck the instructor in the face. After regaining control of the airplane, the instructor landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield, and the instructor sustained minor injuries. 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 ERA22LA044 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 31, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Stevensville, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- Bay Bridge (W29)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N3HQ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.