Probable cause
The airplane’s impact with a bird while enroute.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that while enroute, the airplane encountered a flock of seagulls. The First Officer called out “birds” and the Captain attempted to take evasive action but one of the birds impacted the leading edge of the right wing, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Subsequently, the crew diverted to a nearby airport and landed safely. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 18, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mashpee, Massachusetts
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402
- N-number
- N2649Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.