Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB ERA19FA170
Piper PA 30 — Naples, FL
| Date | May 11, 2019 |
| Location | Naples, FL |
| Aircraft | Piper PA 30 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Uncontrolled descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 71 |
| Pilot total time | 2,419 hrs · Experienced |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Windows-windshield system-Flight compartment windows-Capability exceeded - C
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Contributed to outcome - C
- Personnel issues-Physical-Impairment/incapacitation-Illness/injury-Pilot - C
- Organizational issues-Development-Selection/certification/testing-Equip certification/testing-FAA/Regulator
What happened
While on approach to the destination airport in visual meteorological conditions, the airplane deviated unannounced from its intended flight path, descended, and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the airframe, flight controls, engines, engine systems, and propellers revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Remains of a 3.8-pound Black Vulture was found in the wreckage. A rear seat headrest and two inflatable lift vests located about 440 ft from the main wreckage were found to contain either DNA and/or microscopic feathers from a Black Vulture. Because the Black Vulture was located among the wreckage and because the airplane’s flight path deviation was unannounced, it is likely that the Black Vulture directly impacted and then penetrated the windshield in front of the pilot's position, which incapacitated him, resulting in an uncontrolled descent. The airplane was certificated in accordance with Civil Air Regulation 3, which specified no minimum standard for window or windshield structure strength, or bird penetration.