Piper PA32R N9966G accident near Flippin, Arkansas

Probable cause

The airplane’s collision with deer during the landing and the airport’s failure to provide an adequate barrier to prevent wildlife from entering the runway environment despite previous deer strikes.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, three deer ran across the runway. He felt a hard strike on the inboard section of the right wing, saw a deer roll over the right wing, and felt a sensation like the right landing gear "hopped" as it ran over a second deer. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and taxied to the ramp without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot added that this was the second deer strike the airplane experienced in the previous three weeks, that he had seen deer standing on the runway numerous times, and that airport management was aware of the situation. He stated that the airport had only 500 linear ft of chain-link fence and a gate at the airport entrance and that the rest of the airport was only surrounded by three strands of barbed wire in "various states of disrepair."

The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement, South Central U.S. page for the accident airport, in part, stated the following:

"Wildlife on and [in vicinity of] airport."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA304 for the full record.