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Cessna 310 vs. cow

By NTSB · October 1, 2020 ·

The pilot reported that, during landing on a private dirt airstrip on his ranch in Marathon, Texas, the Cessna 310 hit 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.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to see and avoid a cow on the airstrip during landing. 

NTSB Identification: GAA19CA004

This October 2018 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.

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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Comments

  1. David says

    October 4, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    Did the cow survive???

  2. Mr.X says

    October 3, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    What about the cow?

  3. Dave B says

    October 3, 2020 at 5:43 am

    Did the FAA violate the cow for a runway incursion?

  4. JimH in CA says

    October 2, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    My neighbor’s grass strip is well fenced , [ 4 strands of barbed wire ], to keep the cattle off, and it works well.
    But, it requires shutting down to open the gate to get the aircraft off the ramp and to the hangar.

    I’ve only had experience with coyotes on the runway. They usually run off as I land or taxi by.

    • Wolfgang says

      October 3, 2020 at 4:00 am

      71K – Westport Airport, Wichita, KS – aka
      Dead Cow International

      It doesn’t seem to be unusual to kill a cow with an airplane! 😂

  5. Rudy H says

    October 2, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Yeh…just as we believed…the human aviator dropped a rung or two on the ladder of importance…plain truth…

    • Rudy H says

      October 2, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      …**a rung or two on….

  6. Sarah A says

    October 2, 2020 at 12:19 pm

    I would attribute the accident to the cow failing to recognize that it was on an active runway and to see and avoid the aircraft which had the right of way.

    • Rudy H says

      October 2, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      Pilot referred for vision screening? All in favor…..lolol

    • Wylbur Wrong says

      October 2, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      That being the case, shouldn’t the NTSB have mentioned the controller error?

  7. Dave says

    October 2, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    I’m sure the cow came out of it well grounded.
    Hope it was quick for the animal.

  8. Joe Henry Gutierrez says

    October 2, 2020 at 11:19 am

    Holy cow ?????

    • Rudy H says

      October 2, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      Yeh…on hallowed runway ground…!

  9. Jake says

    October 2, 2020 at 10:55 am

    I suspect they’re planning a barbecue.

  10. Jim Smith says

    October 2, 2020 at 9:03 am

    How’d the cow come out ?

  11. Wayne H Holloman says

    October 2, 2020 at 7:01 am

    How’s the cow?

  12. Russ says

    October 1, 2020 at 2:55 pm

    Did the cow survive?

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