Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a bird during short final.
NTSB analysis
The operator's director of safety reported that, during short final, the pilot quickly maneuvered the airplane to avoid a bird. When the pilot rolled wings level, a second bird went through the propeller and struck the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot then landed without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.
The director of safety 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 GAA19CA451 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 21, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- St Louis Lambert Intl (STL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 402
- N-number
- N300SN
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.