Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a bird during approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach, he observed a bird flying nearby and then heard a "thump" and felt an impact above his head. The pilot landed the airplane without further incident.
Postaccident examination revealed that a bird had impacted the airplane's vertical stabilizer, which sustained substantial damage.
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 GAA18CA435 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- Tulsa Intl (TUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 560
- N-number
- N866VP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.