N69RS

On December 20, 2003, at approximately 1615 central standard time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T single-engine airplane, N69RS, registered to North Star Aviation of Harrison, Arkansas, and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged following a forced landing at the Boone County Airport (HRO), near Harrison, Arkansas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from Flippin Airport (FLP), near Flippin, Arkansas, at 1500.

The 8,521-hour pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he departed from Runway 22 at FLP, and just after lift off, the aircraft impacted a deer with the right main landing gear. According to the pilot, "deer routinely cross the runway at this spot." Once airborne, the pilot reported some control difficulty and elected to return to the airport. The pilot circled the airport for approximately one hour to burn fuel. Due to the prevailing crosswind at FLP, the pilot elected to land at HRO. During the landing roll out, the right main landing gear collapsed, resulting in structural damage to the right wing.

To alleviate the problem with deer on the runway, the pilot recommended deer eradication.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the landing gear showed no indication of a collision with an object or animal on the runway.