Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a cow on the airstrip during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing on a private dirt airstrip on his ranch, the airplane collided with a cow. The pilot added that he did not see the cow during the approach or on the runway during touchdown.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and right engine mounts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA004 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 5, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marathon, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Desert Mountain Ranch (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 310
- N-number
- N553CM
- 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.