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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 13, 2013 · Piper PA-28-161 · N526PU

Princeton, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Princeton, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N526PU
Operator
Thunderbird Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13CA550

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was flying S-turns over a road at 1,000 feet above ground level when a bald eagle struck the right horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor took the controls, declared an emergency, and proceeded to land at the nearest airport. The control yoke was “buffeting,” but the engine continued to run smoothly. On final approach, the flight instructor noticed that the rudder controls were impaired; however, the wind was calm so the landing was without incident. The examination of the airplane revealed that there was a large indentation on the right horizontal stabilizer with bird feathers embedded in it. The right side of the horizontal stabilizer was canted. In addition, the tail cone had been pushed upward and was in contact with the rudder, impeding its movement.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was flying S-turns over a road at 1,000 feet above ground level when a bald eagle struck the right horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor took the controls, declared an emergency, and proceeded to land at the nearest airport. The control yoke was “buffeting,” but the engine continued to run smoothly. On final approach, the flight instructor noticed that the rudder controls were impaired; however, the wind was calm so the landing was without incident. The examination of the airplane revealed that there was a large indentation on the right horizontal stabilizer with bird feathers embedded in it. The right side of the horizontal stabilizer was canted. In addition, the tail cone had been pushed upward and was in contact with the rudder, impeding its movement.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportPrinceton Municipal Airport (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN526PU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThunderbird Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoiming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 23 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data