Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that during the initial climb, he observed a bird dive down from above the airplane. The bird impacted the top portion of the windshield, resulting in substantial damage to the windshield. After the impact, the pilots checked themselves for injuries and for any control issues with the airplane. Both pilots were uninjured, and the airplane operated normally. The flight instructor landed the airplane without further incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 5, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Smyrna, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Smyrna (MQY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N2150G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- 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.