Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while entering the traffic pattern.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that while entering the traffic pattern for landing, the pilot saw a large bird and attempted to take evasive action, but the airplane and the bird collided. The bird entered the cabin through the right windscreen and struck two passengers. One passenger sustained serious injuries while the other passenger incurred minor injuries. The pilot declared an emergency and subsequently landed the airplane uneventfully. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA257 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charlotte Amalie, CB
- Nearest airport
- Cyril E King Airport (TIST)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402
- N-number
- N7037E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.