Probable cause
The airplane striking a deer during the landing roll, resulting in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and subsequent nose over.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, during the landing roll, two deer ran on to the runway. He reported that the airplane struck one of the deer, exited the right side of the runway and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to vertical stabilizer and rudder.
The flight instructor reported that there were not any pre-accident mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.
The pilot did not submit the 6120 Report of Aircraft accident Form as requested by the investigator.
The comments section of the FAA Airport Facilities Directory for the accident airport includes the comment: WILDLIFE ON & INVOF (in vicinity of) ARPT.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA230 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 11, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Keene, New Hampshire
- Nearest airport
- Dillant-Hopkins (EEN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VANS AIRCRAFT
- N-number
- N220RG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.