Probable cause
A collision with a bird during initial climb.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, a bird struck the airplane during initial climb. He and his student returned to the airport and landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing's ribs.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA345 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Danbury, Connecticut
- Nearest airport
- Danbury Muni (DXR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N383ME
- 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.