Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a bird during the initial climb, which resulted in the engine cowling separating and impacting the empennage.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that, during the initial climb, about 1,500 ft, the pilot and passengers reported hearing and feeling an impact. Subsequently, the upper left engine cowling separated and struck the windshield. The pilot declared an emergency, returned to the departure airport, and landed without further incident.
Postaccident examination revealed traces of blood on the propeller, the left wing leading edge, and the vertical stabilizer leading edge. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, which was consistent with impact damage from the separated engine cowling.
The operator 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 GAA19CA268 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Saipan
- Nearest airport
- Saipan International Airport (GSN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Piper PA32
- N-number
- N4599X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.