N5338N

Substantial
None

Cessna 172S/N: 172S9358

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, February 23, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA153
Location
Princeton, NJ
Event ID
20190228X40937
Coordinates
40.399166, -74.658889
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

A collision with deer on the runway while landing at night and the airport's lack of a complete perimeter fence. 

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
172S9358
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2003
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172S

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
RARITAN VALLEY FLYING SCHOOL
Address
41 AIRPARK RD
City
PRINCETON
State / Zip Code
NJ 08540-1500
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while landing at night, the airplane struck two deer on the runway. He added that he did not see the deer on the runway during the approach and landing.

The airplane substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory, for the accident airport, in part stated:

"Deer and birds on and [in the vicinity of the airport]."

The pilot stated that the airport's fencing was intermittent, and that deer were frequently seen in and around the airport. Airport Manager added that the airport's perimeter fence only covered the eastern and southern perimeter and that a deer strike occurred at least once every two years.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Wildlife Strike Database, for the accident airport, the last reported wildlife strike occurred on April 10, 2012. The FAA maintains a comprehensive program to address wildlife hazard through a database and a reporting strike form. (For more information, see Form Approved OMB No. 2120-0045 in the public docket.)

The FAA, under National Part 139 CertALert, No. 16-03, Recommended Wildlife Exclusion Fencing, provides airfield exclusion methods for deer and other large mammals. (For more information, see CertALert No. 16-03 in the public docket.)

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA153