N31396

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 32S/N: 32-7840129

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, June 9, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA314
Location
Lincoln Park, NJ
Event ID
20160613X21931
Coordinates
40.947498, -74.314445
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The airplane struck a deer during the landing flare resulting in substantial damage.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
32-7840129
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA 32M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
6
FAA Model
PA-32-300

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PUCCIARELLI ALBERT J
Address
152 COTTAGE PL
City
RIDGEWOOD
State / Zip Code
NJ 07450-3214
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot in command (PIC) reported that he executed a normal approach, following an instrument proficiency check. He reported that during the landing flare the flight instructor, "grabbed the yoke and pulled up," and he heard a loud thump. The PIC reported that he thought the flight instructor was performing a go around, however the flight instructor said, "we hit a deer and must not go around." The airplane settled to the runway, the right wing "dipped onto the ground" and slid to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right main landing gear attachment point.

The PIC reported that he exited the airplane and saw the right main landing gear and the deer on the runway near the intended touchdown point.

The pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane prior to striking the deer.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA314