Summary
On November 18, 2016, a Beech A36 (N64793) was involved in an accident near Ft. Myers, FL. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: An in-flight collision with a flock of birds.
The co-pilot reported "a flock of buzzards" passed in front of the airplane while en-route, and "the PIC [pilot in command] took evasive action." He further reported a buzzard collided with the airplane at the top of the windscreen and there was a "loud bomb like bang/thump" followed by a loud rush of air. Subsequently, the pilot in command declared an emergency with air traffic control and landed at the nearest airport without further incident.
The windscreen was substantially damaged.
The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA086. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N64793.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
An in-flight collision with a flock of birds.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The co-pilot reported "a flock of buzzards" passed in front of the airplane while en-route, and "the PIC [pilot in command] took evasive action." He further reported a buzzard collided with the airplane at the top of the windscreen and there was a "loud bomb like bang/thump" followed by a loud rush of air. Subsequently, the pilot in command declared an emergency with air traffic control and landed at the nearest airport without further incident.
The windscreen was substantially damaged.
The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA086