[chris]

A single-engine Aero Vodochody L-139, N1390A, crashed near Bridgeport, TX, on April 19, 2023. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The pilot and flight instructor were aboard, and both were seriously injured.

The crash was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach path while checking for possible bird strike damage, which led to a delayed go-around attempt and collision with terrain. The flight instructor's distraction while looking for possible bird strike damage during the approach, and delayed remedial action, contributed to the accident.