This May 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 180.
Location: Lopez Island, Wash.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to takeoff when a goose darted in front of the airplane. The pilot jammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the bird. He missed the bird but the sudden braking flipped the airplane onto its nose and then its back.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. The goose was a factor.
Sounds like a potential scene for a Geico commercial.