Summary
On June 02, 2019, a Piper PA32R (N9966G) was involved in an incident near Flippin, AR. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The airplane’s collision with deer during the landing and the airport’s failure to provide an adequate barrier to prevent wildlife from entering the runway environment despite previous deer strikes.
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, three deer ran from right to left across the runway. He felt a hard strike on the inboard section of the right wing, observed a deer roll over the right wing, and felt a sensation of the right landing gear "hopped" as it ran over a second deer. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and taxied to the ramp without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot and passenger had to egress through the rear baggage door due to damage to the cabin door.
After exiting the plane, the pilot noticed copious amounts of fuel pouring from the damaged wing.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA304. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9966G.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The airplane’s collision with deer during the landing and the airport’s failure to provide an adequate barrier to prevent wildlife from entering the runway environment despite previous deer strikes.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, three deer ran from right to left across the runway. He felt a hard strike on the inboard section of the right wing, observed a deer roll over the right wing, and felt a sensation of the right landing gear "hopped" as it ran over a second deer. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and taxied to the ramp without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot and passenger had to egress through the rear baggage door due to damage to the cabin door.
After exiting the plane, the pilot noticed copious amounts of fuel pouring from the damaged wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that this was the second deer strike the airplane experienced in the previous three weeks, and airport management was aware of the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement, South Central U.S. page for the accident airport, in part, stated:
"Wildlife on and [in vicinity of] airport."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA304