Probable cause
An inflight collision with a bird during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor and the pilot-rated student were in the flying in the airport traffic pattern practicing takeoffs and landings. During the initial climb following a touch-and-go landing, with the student at the controls, a large bird flew directly in front of the airplane. The student attempted to avoid it; however, the bird struck the leading edge of the left wing. The flight instructor took over the controls and landed the airplane uneventfully. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and found that the wing had been substantially damaged as a result of the birdstrike.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA065 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 11, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newport News, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Newport News Williamsburg Intl (PHF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N733QJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.