# NTSB ERA26LA111: Cirrus Design SR22T, N322MC, Thomson, GA, February 6, 2026 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: February 6, 2026, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC) - Place: Thomson, GA · Traffic Pattern - Coordinates: 33.534146, -82.535903 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5341&lon=-82.5359&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 7, 2026 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 202422 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA26LA111 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202422/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA111 ## Probable cause An in-flight collision with a bird while maneuvering. ## 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: [Cirrus Design SR22T, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md?model=2130004), [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. - [Maneuvering: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) (defining event); cases with it: [Cirrus Design SR22T, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md?model=2130004), [All aircraft, 253 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot stated that while he and the flight instructor were being provided with radar vectors from air traffic control for an instrument approach, a turkey buzzard appeared in front of the airplane but there was no time to take evasive action. The bird crossed from left to right and impacted the airplane’s right-side windshield and roof structure resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and the flight instructor returned to the airport and landed uneventfully. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N322MC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N322MC-2026-09-05), registration cancelled 2026-09-05, S/N 8714, built 2022 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22T - Registry model: [Cirrus Design SR22T](https://openairdocs.org/model/cirrus-design-sr22t) (registry code 2130004) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-550-K](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-550-k) (registry code 17410, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 8714 - Year built: 2022 - Airframe hours: 648 - Engines: Continental TSIO550K2B 315 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 10, 2025 - Airport: HQU, Thomson/McDuffie County Airport - Equipment: Airframe parachute, Angle of attack indicator, Auto-pilot, Data recorder, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Stall warning system, ADS-B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; last flight review February 6, 2026; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 1,050 total, 751 in this make and model, 914 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours - Flight instructor; age 42; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 7, 2025; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 9,952 total, 3,106 in this make and model, 9,602 as pilot in command, 134 in the last 90 days, 45 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 250° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 29.94 inHg - Observed at: KHQU, 1 nm away - METAR: METAR KHQU 061555Z AUTO 25008KT 10SM CLR 08/M01 A2994 RMK AO2 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20260206004019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20260206004019A), Feb 6, 2026: Cirrus SR22T, Thomson, GA, Substantial damage. While under instruction, conducting instrument proficiency checks, the crew executed a missed approach and turned to the north and climbed to 2000 ft MSL to… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.