Piper PA32R

Flippin, AR — June 2, 2019

Event Information

DateJune 2, 2019
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA19CA304
Event ID20190602X84440
LocationFlippin, AR
CountryUSA
Coordinates36.29083, -92.59028
AirportMarion County Rgnl
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePiper
ModelPA32R
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

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.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, three deer ran from right to left across the runway. He felt a hard strike on the inboard section of the right wing, observed a deer roll over the right wing, and felt a sensation of 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 and passenger had to egress through the rear baggage door due to damage to the cabin door.

After exiting the plane, the pilot noticed copious amounts of fuel pouring from the damaged 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, and airport management was aware of the situation.

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

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

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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