The flight instructor reported that, in day visual meteorological conditions, during the landing roll, a deer “appeared from high grass and bushes” from the right of the runway at the airport in West Seneca, N.Y.
Before he could react, the deer hit the inboard section of the Piper PA28’s right wing.
The flight instructor stopped the airplane on the runway and then taxied to the ramp without further incident.
The right wing sustained substantial damage.
The FAA Chart Supplement for the airport stated, in part: “Deer on and invof [in the vicinity of] arpt [airport].”
Probable cause: The airplane’s collision with a deer during the landing roll.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA032
This October 2017 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Living in the Texas Hill Country, it’s not a matter of if, but when you will hit a deer on the road. Before our airport was fenced there were several instances of a plane hitting a deer. I agree with Jim, don’t try to avoid hitting one with a plane or car because too many people have lost control of their vehicle and didn’t live to tell about it.
I was fortunate to be stationed on Ft. Richardson, AK in the 1960s.The army strip there was Bryant Army airfield. The club had 2 Piper Colts. In the winter, the tower closed. For night flights there, we had to make a couple of low passes to ensure that there were no moose close to the runway. There were times that I had to do multiple low passes to chase them back far enough to ensure a safe landing. A Colt versus a moose would surly favor the moose. If you have seen moose in the northern NE states, I can assure you that the AK moose were significantly larger.
Still plenty of moose wondering the Airports, My Father was a member of Eielson flying club in 1960 and almost had license and then I came along and he had to stop flying and work more.. 18 years later Im working as a ramp rat and tell my Dad about a great 7ECA for sale.. he bought, got his license, and had it for 21 years of good times..
Even hard surface runways need the grass mowed on the edges. Dead deer don’t learn to avoid airplanes or cars.
All things considered, just hitting the deer dead center is better than the wreck if you try to avoid by an early T.O or swerve.