Cessna 172

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing at night, the airplane struck two deer on the runway. He added that he did not see the deer on the runway during the approach and landing.

The airplane substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer.

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

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory, for the accident airport, in part stated:

"Deer and birds on and [in the vicinity of the airport]."

The pilot stated that the airport's fencing was intermittent, and that deer were frequently seen in and around the airport. Airport Manager added that the airport's perimeter fence only covered the eastern and southern perimeter and that a deer strike occurred at least once every two years.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Wildlife Strike Database, for the accident airport, the last reported wildlife strike occurred on April 10, 2012. The FAA maintains a comprehensive program to address wildlife hazard through a database and a reporting strike form. (For more information, see Form Approved OMB No. 2120-0045 in the public docket.)

The FAA, under National Part 139 CertALert, No. 16-03, Recommended Wildlife Exclusion Fencing, provides airfield exclusion methods for deer and other large mammals. (For more information, see CertALert No. 16-03 in the public docket.)