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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 3, 1994 · Piper PA-38-112 · N2542L

New Castle, DE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
New Castle, DE
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N2542L
Operator
Dawn Aeronautics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA058

THE PILOT WAS DOING A STRAIGHT-IN APPROACH TO RUNWAY 14 AT WILMINGTON, DE, AT NIGHT WHEN THE AIRPLANE STRUCK BIRDS. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESCENDING THROUGH 1800 FEET MSL AND 7 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT WHEN THE BIRD STRIKE OCCURRED. THE PILOT REPORTED HE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER, YAW CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER; HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO THE AIRPORT AND LANDED. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER A MILE FROM THE AIRPORT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE BATTERY CASE, FIREWALL, AND WINGS WERE DAMAGED BY THE BIRD STRIKE. ALSO, THERE WAS DEBRIS IN THE ENGINE AIR INLET FROM THE BIRD STRIKE.

NTSB Probable Cause

Inadequate clearance from obstacles, which resulted in birds strike. A factor was night conditions.

Full Narrative

On April 2, 1994, at 1915 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38- 112, N2542L, collided with birds enroute to New Castle County Airport, Wilmington, Delaware. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured while the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight was being operated under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Delaware. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. According to the pilot, it was a dark night and he was returning from a local flight. He stated that he was descending out of 2000 feet MSL for 1100 feet MSL, and upon reaching 1800 feet MSL he heard a loud bang. The pilot stated that he lost all electrical power and was unable to contact the tower. The airplane struck a flock of birds and some of the birds were ingested into the airplane's engine air inlet as well as in the cockpit. A landing was made without power due to loss of engine and electrical power. The pilot also stated that he did not have any aileron control during the landing. Examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed that there were bird strikes to the right side battery case, firewall, and both wings. According to the Airport Facilities Directory in the Airport Remarks, it states in part "birds on and in vicinity of airport."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN2542L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDawn Aeronautics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind150° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data