Primary finding
Probable cause
Deer on the runway during a night landing that resulted in the collision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot established a night visual approach to runway 31. During the landing roll, a herd of deer appeared on the runway 2500 feet from the approach end. The airplane collided with several deer. According to the airport manager, notices to airmen are published in airport directories warning pilots of deer on the airport. Additionally, UNICOM operators inform pilots of deer when they are observed; no report of deer had been received before this accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 16, 1995, at 1900 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421, N707WC, collided with several deer on the runway, while landing at Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Georgia. The business flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the airline transport pilot was not injured. The flight departed St. George Island, Florida, at 1730 hours. While enroute to the destination airport, the pilot radioed flight service and requested airport advisories. Upon arriving within range of the destination airport, the pilot radioed UNICOM and again requested airport advisories. Neither advisory reported deer on the airport. The pilot established a night approach to runway 31. The touchdown was without incident, but during the rollout, a herd of six to eight deer appeared on the runway about 2500 feet from the approach end. The airplane collided with several deer, which resulted in the collapse of the nose gear. According to the airport manager, notice to airmen are published in airport directories warning pilots of deer on the airport. Additionally, UNICOM operators inform pilots of deer on the airport when they are reported; no report of deer had been received before the accident. -