Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while on approach to the destination airport.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and the flight instructor were approaching the destination airport for landing when they noticed a large flock of birds. The flight instructor reported that, while maneuvering to avoid the birds, one of the birds struck the left side of the airplane’s stabilator, substantially damaging it. The pilots subsequently landed the airplane at the destination airport.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA082 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 21, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Nearest airport
- North Perry (HWO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA44
- N-number
- N156WM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.