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NTSB Report
January 20, 1990 · Piper PA-32-R-300 PA-32-R-30 · N38908
Sacramento, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 20, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sacramento, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-R-300 PA-32-R-30
Tail Number
N38908
Operator
Disbrow Eric
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA108
THE PILOT OF A PIPER PA32 ENCOUNTERED A LARGE BIRD WHILE ON DOWNWIND FOR LANDING. THE BIRD IMPACTED THE HORIZONTAL ELEVATOR CAUSING IT TO BIND. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED SAFELY WITH NO MORE DIFFICULTIES. THE DAMAGE TO THE ELEVATOR REQUIRED ITS REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN INADVERTENT COLLISION WITH A LARGE BIRD DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS WHILE IN THE LANDING PATTERN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF A PIPER PA32 ENCOUNTERED A LARGE BIRD WHILE ON DOWNWIND FOR LANDING. THE BIRD IMPACTED THE HORIZONTAL ELEVATOR CAUSING IT TO BIND. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED SAFELY WITH NO MORE DIFFICULTIES. THE DAMAGE TO THE ELEVATOR REQUIRED ITS REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 PST
Nearest AirportSacramento Executive (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-R-300 PA-32-R-30
Tail NumberN38908
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDisbrow Eric
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 36 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO