Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern during a training flight he saw two birds in close proximity. While the student continued on the downwind leg, the flight instructor observed a black shadow in his peripheral vision and then heard a “thump.” The flight instructor informed the student of the bird strike, and with a positive exchange, took control of the airplane. He performed a normal no-flap landing and then taxied to the ramp. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the right wing had been substantially damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 1, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Leesburg, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N1057R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.