N254RM Miller Roger THATCHER CX4 accident

NTSB ERA22LA110 · 2022-01-18 · Angier, NC · near 78NC

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that following a local flight, on final approach to land, about ¼ mile from the runway, he glanced down at the airspeed indicator, and then glanced up and “all of a sudden” a flock of birds flew into the airplane. He stated it was “like a wall” or like a “machine gun” going off in his flight path. He reported that the birds collided with the airplane and after that point he “was a passenger”. He recalled the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and spin and subsequently descended and impacted trees and terrain. The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Probable cause

The pilot’s encounter with a flock of birds on final approach, which resulted in a loss of control, an aerodynamic stall and spin, and impact with trees and terrain. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type

Accident

Highest injury

Serious

Weather conditions

Visual Meteorological Cond

Light condition

Day

Sky condition

NONE

Ceiling (ft)

0

Visibility (sm)

10

Wind direction

310

Wind speed (kt)

3

Temperature (F)

50

Nearest airport

FUQUAY/ANGIER FLD

Distance from field

0.2

Airport elevation

349

Aircraft

Sequence of events

Findings