Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the deer which ran in front of the airplane during the landing flare. Factors associated with the accident were the inadequate airspeed which resulted in the pilot not being able to maintain directional control of the airplane as he attempted to avoid deer, and the trees which the airplane contacted.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 31, 1998, at 1400 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R- 200, N9324N, operated by a commercial pilot collided with trees and the terrain following a loss of control during a go-around at the Sikeston Memorial Municipal Airport, Sikeston, Missouri. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan was filed. The pilot received minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Somerville, Tennessee, at 1255 cdt.
The pilot stated that at an altitude of about 10-15 feet above the ground, during his landing flare, two deer ran across the runway. He reported, "...I tried to go up and over them but I was behind my power curve and was unable to maintain directional control due to the crosswind and torque of the engine." The airplane veered to the left and off the side of the runway where it contacted a small group of trees.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI98LA181