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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

March 24, 2019 · Piper PA23 250 · N976AZ

Tampa, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 24, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tampa, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA23 250 (1976)
Tail Number
N976AZ
Operator
Mtn Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA180

The pilot of the multiengine airplane reported that, on a descending vector for a visual instrument landing system approach on an instrument flight rules flight plan, about 2,500 to 2,800 ft mean sea level, he "felt the aircraft shudder along with a loud bang." He then disengaged the autopilot to determine if the flight controls were affected and looked for damage on the wing and nose area; he saw no damage. The pilot continued to the airport and landed without further incident. During the landing, the pilot of a waiting aircraft reported that he saw damage to the accident airplane's vertical stabilizer that looked like a bird had hit it. During postaccident examination, blood and tissue were found on the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

An in-flight collision with a bird during the approach, which resulted in damage to the vertical stabilizer.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the multiengine airplane reported that, on a descending vector for a visual instrument landing system approach on an instrument flight rules flight plan, about 2500 to 2800 ft mean sea level, he "felt the aircraft shudder along with a loud bang." He then disengaged the autopilot to determine if the flight controls were affected and looked for damage on the wing and nose area; no damage was observed. The pilot further reported that he continued to the airport and landed without further incident. During the landing, a waiting aircraft reported they saw damage to the vertical stabilizer. The airplane sustained substantial damaged to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:27 EDT
Nearest AirportTampa Intl (9nm NE)
Runway19L
Runway Length8300 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA23 250
Tail NumberN976AZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMtn Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-C4B5 · Reciprocating · 250 | Lycoming · IO-540-C4B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data