# NTSB CEN09CA365: Cessna 172RG, N6393R, Brownwood, TX, June 10, 2009

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 10, 2009, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Brownwood, TX
- Coordinates: 31.793611, -98.95639 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.7936&lon=-98.9564&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern downwind: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 2009
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 74071
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09CA365
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/74071/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74071
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA365

## Probable cause

An in-flight collision with a large bird while on the downwind leg of a traffic pattern.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Object/animal/substance: animal(s)/bird(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172RG, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 358 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern downwind: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172RG, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 253 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The private pilot reported that he was on the left downwind leg of a traffic pattern when a large buzzard struck the leading edge of the single-engine airplane's left wing. The pilot reported that there were no difficulties maintaining control of the airplane and that he was able to make a normal landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wing's rib structure.

## Factual narrative

The private pilot was on a left downwind of a traffic pattern when a large "buzzard" struck the leading edge of the single-engine airplane's left wing. The pilot reported that there were no difficulties maintaining control of the airplane and he was able to make a normal landing. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wing's rib structure.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6393R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6393R), registered now, S/N 172RG0176, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0176
- Engines: LYCOMING O&VO-360 SER 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Curry Harvey R
- Registered owner: Curry Harvey R
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: Commanche, TX
- Destination: BWD, Brownwood, TX
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: BWD, Brownwood, runway 17

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 631 total, 34 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## Docket (1 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 24, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74071. 1.2 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40315105&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF

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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