Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird while in the initial climb.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that during an instructional flight, while in the initial climb, a bird impacted the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor assumed the controls and was able to land safely at the destination airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 29, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Watsonville, California
- Nearest airport
- (WVI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N6212F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.