Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during cruise flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while in cruise flight at an altitude of about 1,800 ft, he heard a loud bang. After determining that the airplane was still flying normally, he looked at the right wing and saw damage to the outboard leading edge. He turned the airplane around, returned to the departure airport, and landed safely. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the right wing had been substantially damaged consistent with a bird strike.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N2333R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.