Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, while performing maneuvers about 800 ft above the ground, a bird impacted the left wing. He added that he returned to the airport without further incident.
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing.
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA161 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 20, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28R
- N-number
- N962WW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.