Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane's collision with a deer during the landing flare and touchdown.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing flare and touchdown, two deer ran onto the runway. The airplane struck one deer separating the nose landing gear. The nose of the airplane settled to the runway and the airplane skid for an additional 500 feet before coming to a stop. An examination of the airframe revealed that the firewall was wrinkled. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the impact with the deer.
Source record
Factual narrative
During the landing flare and touchdown, two deer ran onto the runway. The airplane struck one deer separating the nose landing gear. The nose of the airplane settled to the runway and the airplane skid for an additional 500 feet before coming to a stop. An examination of the airframe revealed that the firewall was wrinkled. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the impact with the deer.