Event GAA18CA162

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during the approach to land a "turkey vulture (bird)", impacted the airplane's front windshield. After the impact, an emergency was declared, and the airplane landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, during the approach to land, a turkey vulture impacted the airplane's front windshield. After the impact, he declared an emergency and landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the front windshield. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.     Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Ability to respond/compensate - C