N45WM – MCADAM W E CHRISTEN EAGLE II – 2012-01-02 NTSB Accident Report

On January 02, 2012, a Mcadam W E CHRISTEN EAGLE II (N45WM) was involved in an incident near Eureka, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A collision with a deer while landing.

The pilot reported that during the landing flare, he noticed a deer (or possibly several deer) move onto the runway. In response, he added power and attempted to maneuver away from the animal(s). The airplane impacted what he believed to be a deer. The pilot retarded the engine power thinking that the airplane had likely incurred damage that would hinder further flight to complete a go-around. The left wing sustained substantial damage to the leading edge. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation

The Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facilities Directory for the airport contained a note stating that there are deer occasionally on the runway.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR12CA073. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N45WM.