Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane's impact with the deer during the night landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that during a night landing, he had a smooth touchdown and during roll out, moving about 25 to 30 knots, he heard a "loud thump." The passenger saw the impacted deer. The pilot reported this was the second deer strike within the last twelve months at the airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that during a night landing, he had a smooth touchdown and during roll out, moving about 25 to 30 knots, he heard a "loud thump." The pilot said that his passenger saw the impacted deer. The pilot reported that this was the second deer strike within the last twelve months at the airport.