Probable cause
The pilot's attempt to avoid a deer on the runway, which resulted in loss of aircraft control, a runway excursion, and collision with a runway sign.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the landing roll, he noticed three deer enter the runway from his left. One of the deer stopped on runway centerline and the pilot stated that he steered the airplane to the right, missed the deer, lost control of the airplane, and departed the right side of the runway. The airplane collided with a runway marker sign. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA097 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 19, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winchester, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Winchester Regional Airport (KOKV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 195B
- N-number
- N1960C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- 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.