Piper PA32
Saipan, April 19, 2019
Event Information
| Date | April 19, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Saipan |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 15.11806, 145.72417 |
| Airport | SAIPAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA268 |
| Event ID | 20190516X24200 |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA32 |
| Registration # | N4599X |
| Operator | Star Marianas Air Inc |
| Owner | Star Marianas Air Inc |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 135 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 4 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The airplane’s collision with a bird during the initial climb, which resulted in the engine cowling separating and impacting the empennage.
Full Narrative
The operator reported that, during the initial climb, about 1,500 ft, the pilot and passengers reported hearing and feeling an impact. The upper left engine cowling separated and struck the windshield. The pilot declared an emergency, returned to the departure airport, and landed without further incident
Postaccident examination revealed traces of blood on the propeller, left wing leading edge, and the vertical stabilizer leading edge. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, which was consistent with impact damage from the separated engine cowling.
The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.