Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a bird.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported that during a training flight, while performing maneuvers at 1,200 ft mean sea level, they observed a large bird to the right of the airplane. The pilot maneuvered to avoid the bird; however, the bird collided with the right wing, which resulted in substantial damage. Following the bird strike, the flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and landed uneventfully.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA220 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Morgan Hill, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N55231
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.