Probable cause
An inadvertent collision with a bird during takeoff enroute climb, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while climbing through 3000 feet mean sea level (MSL), a flock of birds was seen immediately in front of the airplane. The pilot reported that about 1 second after seeing the flock of birds, a single bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing. The pilot returned to the departure airfield and landed without further incident.
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA078 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 6, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Monroeville, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Monroe County (MVC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 525
- N-number
- N525DY
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.