Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's attempt to avoid a deer on the runway, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing roll he noticed a deer on the runway. In an attempt to avoid hitting the deer, he applied the brakes and the airplane skidded off the runway and collided with a ditch. The postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing roll he noticed a deer on the runway. In an attempt to avoid hitting the deer he applied the brakes and the airplane skidded off of the runway. The airplane continued off of the runway and collided into a ditch. The post accident examination of the airplane revealed that it sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.