Vans RV8 N412CV accident near Linden, Michigan

Probable cause

The collision with a deer during touch-and-go landings.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the landing roll on runway 27 he observed three deer crossing the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around and heard a loud bang during the maneuver. The pilot subsequently flew a traffic pattern and returned for landing, unaware that the deer strike had damaged the right main landing gear and separated a portion of the landing gear assembly. During the subsequent landing, the airplane veered to the right and struck a runway marker sign, which resulted in the collapse of the left main landing gear. The airplane then skidded into the grass area adjacent to the runway and came to a stop.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft lower fuselage structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of the airport directory found a remark to alert pilots to deer on and in the vicinity of the airport.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA291 for the full record.