Probable cause
An in-flight collision with multiple birds.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported while en-route about 2,500 feet above ground, under dark night visual meteorological conditions, multiple birds struck both wings and the cowling. The pilot further reported that the airplane had a "harsh rolling tendency to the right and reduced engine power." Subsequently, the pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and landed without further incident at an airport about 3 nautical miles away.
The right wing sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA060 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 7, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Englewood, Colorado
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night, dark
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N6026Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- 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.