Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a bird during approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he began the initial approach at the destination airport, about 1,800 to 2,000 ft mean sea level, and the airplane encountered a "widespread circling group of what appeared to be turkey vultures." The right wing struck a bird, and the airplane landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
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 GAA18CA475 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 1, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech B300
- N-number
- N557AP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2013
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.