Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a bird while maneuvering.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, a bird struck the airplane's windscreen when he was practicing a steep turn. The airplane remained controllable, and he returned to the airport and landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windscreen, windows, and skylight.
Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector revealed that the skylight had been installed incorrectly.
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 GAA18CA357 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 6, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7ECA
- N-number
- N8646V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.