Probable cause
The collision with a deer during touchdown of a night landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a night landing he collided with a deer on the runway during touchdown. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the airplane.
The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA346 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Flushing, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Dalton (3DA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N21553
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.