Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during initial climb, around 700 ft above ground level, a bird impacted the leading edge of the left wing, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. After impacting the bird, the pilot informed air traffic control that he would need to return to the airport, performed a normal traffic pattern, and landed without further incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 29, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Manassas, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Manassas Regional Airport (HEF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 40
- N-number
- N999VC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.