Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird during an approach to land.
NTSB analysis
The right seat pilot reported that they were passing over mountainous terrain at 5,000 ft mean sea level when a bird shattered 75% of the airplane’s windshield. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the left seat pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight continued to its destination and landed without further incident.
The right seat pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA113 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 16, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Van Nuys, California
- Nearest airport
- Van Nuys Airport (KVNY)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Beech E-55
- N-number
- N994WY
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.