Probable cause
An unanticipated encounter with a deer shortly after touchdown, resulting in a collision and substantial damage to the airframe.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, seconds after touchdown, a deer impacted the leading edge of the right wing and then impacted the right side of the fuselage. Neither the pilot nor his passenger observed the deer before impact. He observed the deer lying on the runway and taxied to the ramp and to examine the damage. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the damage to the fuselage was substantial.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA186 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 11, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Troy, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Troy Muni At N Kenneth Campbel (TOI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32R-301
- N-number
- N299HP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.