N16582 – CESSNA 172M – 1993-10-16 NTSB Accident Report

On October 16, 1993, a Cessna 172M (N16582) was involved in an incident near Culebra, PR. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The poor in-flight decision of the pilot-in-command to bank the airplane while flying low level instead of climbing to avoid collision with a bird. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water.

On October 16, 1993, about 1100 Atlantic standard time, N16582, a Cessna 172-M, registered to Pyrometer Assoc. Inc., and operated by James P. Matyas experienced a wing strike while maneuvering over water near Culebra, Puerto Rico, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from San Juan, Puerto Rico, about 20 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that while practicing low flight, about 10 feet above the water, he observed a bird directly ahead, and initiated an evasive maneuver. The left wing struck the water damaging the tip, aileron, and rear spar. He then returned to the airport.

This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA94LA012. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N16582.