Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while on approach.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, while in the airport traffic pattern and turning from the downwind leg to the base leg, a bird impacted the leading edge of the left wing, which resulted?in substantial damage. The pilot receiving instruction continued to fly the approach, and landed on the intended runway without further issue. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA249 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 22, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vero Beach, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-161
- N-number
- N6232H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.