Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Collision with a deer when it crossed the airplane's path during landing rollout. Factors were low lighting (night) conditions and the pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to the collision.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On September 22, 2004, at 2145 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N98222, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a deer during landing rollout on runway 14 (3,500 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) at Jackson County Airport-Reynolds Field (JXN), Jackson, Michigan. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Fitch H Beach Airport (FPK), Charlotte, Michigan, approximately 2130.
In his written statement, the pilot reported that he landed normally and had been rolling out for a "few seconds" when he saw a deer in "close proximity" to the aircraft. This animal did not pose a collision hazard. However, shortly afterward, the aircraft's right wing struck a second deer. He stated that he did not see the second animal prior to impact. He noted that the aircraft departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in the grass about 40 feet from the edge of the pavement.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI04CA281