# NTSB BFO89LA026: Cessna 172H, N8027L, Odenton, MD, April 3, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 2, 1989, 20:30 local (Apr 3, 1989, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Odenton, MD
- Coordinates: 39.050643, -76.719795 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0506&lon=-76.7198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11495
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO89LA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11495/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA026

## Probable cause

THE INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH BIRDS.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - bird(s) (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH BIRDS DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AT 1,800 FT MSL AT NIGHT. THREE OLDS QUAWS (DUCKS) WHICH AVERAGED 1 1/2 POUNDS EACH CONTACTED THE ACFT. ONE HIT THE UPPER LEADING EDGE SECTION OF THE LEFT WING. ONE CONTACTED AND REMOVED APRX 70 PERCENT OF THE WINDSHIELD PRIMARILY ON THE PILOT'S SIDE AND THE OTHER CONTACTED THE UPPER WINDSHIELD/FRAME AREA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A FORCED LANDING WAS SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISHED AT FT. MEADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8027L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8027L), registered now, S/N 17256227, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172H
- Registry model: [Cessna 172H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172h) (registry code 2072424) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17256227
- Airframe hours: 1289
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Malcolm R. Van'Kirk, Sr.
- Registered owner: Malcolm J. Van Kirk
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1988, 22 hours before
- Departed: FDK, FREDERICK, MD
- Destination: SBY, SALISBURY, MD
- Airport: FME, Tipton Aaf, runway 28, 3,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 401 total, 325 in this make and model, 257 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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