Probable cause
An inadvertent collision with a deer during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing at a private airport after a cross-country flight. During the landing flare, just prior to touchdown, a small deer ran onto the runway toward the airplane. The pilot increased engine power and attempted to climb; however, the deer struck and substantially damaged the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reduced engine power and subsequently landed on the runway without further incident. The pilot indicated that he did not experience any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA414 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 8, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Shellman Bluff, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Eagle Neck (1GA0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172B
- N-number
- N7619X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- 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.