Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a goose during approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach, a goose struck the airplane's left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot continued the approach and landed without further incident.
A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA207 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Salt Lake City Intl (SLC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 550
- N-number
- N551BC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.