Probable cause
Encounter with a flock of birds during takeoff at night, resulting in multiple bird strikes and structural damage.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he took off at night, and during the initial climb about 800ft above the ground, the airplane ran into a flock of birds. The pilot declared an emergency with the tower and landed the airplane without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wind screen and the windscreen frame.
The pilot 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 GAA18CA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 4, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hyannis, Massachusetts
- Nearest airport
- Barnstable Muni-Boardman/Polan (HYA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402
- N-number
- N2748Y
- 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.