Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that following a successful landing, the student pilot had applied full power and began the takeoff and climb. During the climb, a large bird struck the airplane, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The flight instructor subsequently landed the airplane on a parallel runway without further incident. 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 ERA26LA149 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 6, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sanford, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Orlando Sanford Intl (SFB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N697LH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2023
- 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.