# NTSB GAA18CA162: Aeropro CZ Eurofox LSA, N989G, Punta Gorda, FL, March 13, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 13, 2018, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Punta Gorda, FL - Coordinates: 26.918333, -81.996665 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.9183&lon=-81.9967&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 10, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 96867 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA18CA162 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96867/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96867 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA162 ## Probable cause A collision with a large bird during approach. ## 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: [Aeropro CZ EUROFOX LSA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md?model=0600024), [All aircraft, 358 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: animal(s)/bird(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Ability to respond/compensate (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeropro CZ EUROFOX LSA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md?model=0600024), [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. - [Enroute: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) (defining event); cases with it: [Aeropro CZ EUROFOX LSA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md?model=0600024), [All aircraft, 253 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, a turkey vulture impacted the airplane's front windshield. After the impact, he declared an emergency and landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that, during the approach to land a "turkey vulture (bird)", impacted the airplane's front windshield. After the impact, an emergency was declared, and the airplane landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N989G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N989G), registered now, S/N 224 07, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AEROPRO CZ EUROFOX LSA (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Aeropro CZ EUROFOX LSA](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeropro-cz-eurofox-lsa) (registry code 0600024) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 912UL series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-912ul-series) (registry code 55571, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22407 - Year built: 2007 - Airframe hours: 2687 - Engines: Rotax 912UL 80 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, March 12, 2018 - Departed: PGD, Punta Gorda, FL - Destination: PGD, Punta Gorda, FL - Airport: PGD, Punta Gorda, runway 04, 7,193 × 150 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Handheld GPS, Electronic flight bag or handheld device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 65; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: sport pilot, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 18, 2016; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 4,069.3 total, 2,695 in this make and model, 3,953.1 as pilot in command, 53.2 in the last 90 days, 18.2 in the last 30 days, 1.2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 8 knots, gusting 14 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.13 inHg - Observed at: PGD, 1 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Incident 20180313002469I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180313002469I), Mar 13, 2018: Aeropro Cz EUROFOX LSA, Punta Gorda, FL, Minor damage. Aircraft was on downwind for runway 4 when it struck a turkey vulture in the pilot side windscreen. Aircraft landed safely and exited the runway on to taxiway… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on May 1, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96867. 1.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 871 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40472351&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Accident Picture (item 2, .PDF, 1 photo, 304 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40472352&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Picture-Master.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. --- 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.