Primary finding
Probable cause
The collision with a deer during landing at an airport with known wildlife activity.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the landing flare and touchdown, the aiplane struck a deer. The airplane received substantial damage to the right wing leading edge, which was part of the integral fuel tank. The Airport Facility Directory remarks for the airport stated that there is wildlife on and in the vicinity of the airport. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The airplane was landing at the destination airport when it struck a deer upon touchdown. The airplane received substantial damage to the right wing leading edge, which was part of the integral fuel tank. The pilot stated that the airport had not been recently mowed and the vegetation along each side of the runway was more than 36 inches high, which may have acted as an attractant to wildlife. The Airport Facility Directory remarks for the airport stated that there is wildlife on and in the vicinity of the airport.