Cessna 172 N6295E accident near Berlin, New Jersey

Probable cause

An inadvertent in-flight collision with a goose while on approach.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he turned onto final approach at dusk and turned the landing light on to look for deer. On short final approach, over the runway numbers about 50 to 80 ft above ground level, the landing light illuminated a flock of geese on the ground, and they scattered into the air. One of the geese contacted the leading-edge outboard section of the right wing and the airplane landed uneventfully. The pilot further reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the right wing by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the spar.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA102 for the full record.