Probable cause
an in-flight collision with a bird.
NTSB analysis
During cruise flight at an altitude of 3,500 feet above ground level (agl), a bird impacted the leading edge of the right wing, inboard of the wing lift strut attach point. The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated he did not see the bird until just before it impacted the wing. The CFI evaluated the damage in-flight and decided to continue the flight to his intended destination and landed without further incident. Examination of the right wing revealed the leading edge was crushed aft and two internal wing ribs were damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA077 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 8, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172SP
- N-number
- N577SP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.