Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot stated that while he and the flight instructor were being provided with radar vectors from air traffic control for an instrument approach, a turkey buzzard appeared in front of the airplane but there was no time to take evasive action. The bird crossed from left to right and impacted the airplane’s right-side windshield and roof structure resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and the flight instructor returned to the airport and landed uneventfully.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 6, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Thomson, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Thomson/Mcduffie County Airpor (HQU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus Design Corp SR22T
- N-number
- N322MC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- 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.