Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that about 12 miles from the airport of departure, while returning after a local flight, he observed a large bird on his right side. He attempted to avoid the bird but was unsuccessful and the bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing. The pilot returned to the airport of departure and landed safely. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing was substantially damaged. The operator 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 ERA23LA305 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gray, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- N/A (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28
- N-number
- N271MG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2021
- 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.