Probable cause
An inflight collision with a bird while conducting low level aerobatics.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing aerobatics (about 400- 600 ft above ground level) when a “large” bird impacted the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer, which resulted in substantial damage. The airplane rolled and yawed slightly after the impact, but the pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and land immediately without incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rome, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- (RMG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Extra 300
- N-number
- N808YF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2015
- 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.