Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid a moose cow and calf during taxi, which resulted in an impact with a tree.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after landing on a gravel airstrip, during the taxi, a moose cow and calf ran onto the airstrip, moving from the pilot's right to left. She added that she veered to the left to avoid the animals and the airplane struck a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after landing on a gravel airstrip, during the taxi, a moose cow and calf ran onto the airstrip, moving from the pilot's right to left. She added that she veered to the left to avoid the animals and the airplane struck a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.