Probable cause
The on-ground collision with a deer on the runway during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while in the landing rollout, he saw a deer on the runway and immediately started to apply brakes; however, the deer walked into the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA066 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 28, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Monticello, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Monticello Regional (MXO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 40 NG
- N-number
- N478SA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.