Aeropro Eurofox LSA, N989G: Accident occurred March 13, 2018 at Punta Gorda Airport (KPGD), Charlotte County, Florida

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Tampa, Florida

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N989G

Location: Punta Gorda, FL
Accident Number: GAA18CA162
Date & Time: 03/13/2018, 1200 EDT
Registration: N989G
Aircraft: AEROPRO CZ EUROFOX LSA
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Birdstrike
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

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. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Flight Instructor; Commercial
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Sport Pilot
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Sport Pilot With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/05/2012
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/18/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 4069.3 hours (Total, all aircraft), 2695 hours (Total, this make and model), 3953.1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 53.3 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 18.3 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1.2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: AEROPRO CZ
Registration: N989G
Model/Series: EUROFOX LSA NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2007
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Special Light-Sport
Serial Number: 22407
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/12/2018, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1283 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2687 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 912UL
Registered Owner: ANTRIM AIRCRAFT SERVICES LLC
Rated Power: 80 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PGD, 30 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1553 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 101°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 10°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / -1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Punta Gorda, FL (PGD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Punta Gorda, FL (PGD)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1030 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: PUNTA GORDA (PGD)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 25 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 04
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 7193 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Traffic Pattern 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  26.918333, -81.996667 (est)