Probable cause
The airplane’s impact with a bird resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that while on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern he saw two large birds. He stated “birds” to his student, took the controls, and attempted to avoid the birds. One of the birds impacted the leading edge of the right wing resulting in substantial damage. The flight instructor subsequently landed the airplane without further incident. 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 ERA24LA306 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cochran, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Cochran (48A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N268MG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2020
- 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.