Probable cause
An inadvertent collision with a bird while on downwind in the airport pattern.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that while in the left downwind, a bird impacted the right leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor further reported that he landed without further incident.
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the stabilator.
The flight instructor 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 GAA16CA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 30, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Fort Worth Meacham Intl (FTW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-161
- N-number
- N2135B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.