Accident Number: CEN21LA417
Date and Time: September 9, 2021, 16:30 Local
Registration: N5233P
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional
Analysis
The flight instructor reported that while on final approach to land, the airplane impacted a large red-tail hawk which entered the cabin through the windshield, resulting in minor injuries to the student. The flight instructor landed the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The airplane’s impact with a bird while on approach.
Findings
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Effect on equipment
Environmental issues Animal(s)/bird(s) - Ability to respond/compensate
Factual Information
History of Flight
Approach Birdstrike (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 23, Female
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane multi-engine; Airplane single-engine; Instrument airplane
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 1 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: June 28, 2021
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: November 4, 2020
Flight Time: 1351 hours (Total, all aircraft), 750 hours (Total, this make and model), 1255 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 250 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 100 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Student pilot Information
Certificate: Student
Age: 17, Female
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap only
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 0 hours (Total, all aircraft), 0 hours (Total, this make and model)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N5233P
Model/Series: 152
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 15284898
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 9, 2021 100 hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1670 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 89.7 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 13635.8 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235-L2C
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 110
Operator:
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KOLV,402 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 15:50 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 90°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 360°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 10°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Olive Branch, MS (KOLV)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Olive Branch, MS
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 15:30 Local
Type of Airspace: Class D
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 34.979,-89.7888(est)
