N2125N

On April 28, 1998, about 1005 eastern daylight time a Piper PA-28RT-201T, N2125N, collided with a bird shortly after takeoff at the Vandenberg Airport, in Tampa, Florida. The airplane was operated by the certified flight instructor under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, immediately after rotation, a large bird struck the front of the airplane and entered into the engine compartment. Subsequently, the engine stopped and the pilot made an emergency landing into a rough field collapsing the left main gear and striking a tree with the left wing substantially damaging the airplane.

According to the FAA, after takeoff at about 500 feet above ground level (AGL) on climb out the airplane struck a bird. The impact separated a fuel line and a loss of engine power occurred. The airplane landed in an open field approximately 2 miles from runway 18.

The owner and pilot were sent an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 Pilot/operator report, but did not return it.