Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a flock of birds.
NTSB analysis
The co-pilot reported "a flock of buzzards" passed in front of the airplane while en-route, and "the PIC [pilot in command] took evasive action." He further reported a buzzard collided with the airplane at the top of the windscreen and there was a "loud bomb like bang/thump" followed by a loud rush of air. Subsequently, the pilot in command declared an emergency with air traffic control and landed at the nearest airport without further incident.
The windscreen was substantially damaged.
The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA086 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 18, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ft. Myers, Florida
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N64793
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1982
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.