Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while on final approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was on approach to the airport when he saw five large birds. The pilot felt an impact to the right wing and the airplane rolled to the right. The pilot corrected the roll with opposite aileron and rudder input and the airplane landed safely on the runway. Postaccident examination showed substantial damage to the right wing spar. Bird remains recovered from the airplane were identified as tundra swan.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA141 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 19, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sacramento, California
- Nearest airport
- Sacramento International (SMF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 208B
- N-number
- N892FE
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.