Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while on approach.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during the landing flare, a large bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing structure. The student pilot was able to land safely on the intended runway. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA360 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Linden, New Jersey
- Nearest airport
- Linden (LDJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-28-161
- N-number
- N5914V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.