Pilot Debrief

Piper PA32R near Flippin, AR — 2019-06-02

Final reportGAA19CA304
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Date
2019-06-02
Location
Flippin, AR, USA
Airport
FLP
Aircraft
Piper PA32R
Registration
N9966G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane’s collision with deer during the landing and the airport’s failure to provide an adequate barrier to prevent wildlife from entering the runway environment despite previous deer strikes.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the landing roll, three deer ran across the runway. He felt a hard strike on the inboard section of the right wing, saw a deer roll over the right wing, and felt a sensation like the right landing gear "hopped" as it ran over a second deer. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and taxied to the ramp without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that this was the second deer strike the airplane experienced in the previous three weeks, that he had seen deer standing on the runway numerous times, and that airport management was aware of the situation. He stated that the airport had only 500 linear ft of chain-link fence and a gate at the airport entrance and that the rest of the airport was only surrounded by three strands of barbed wire in "various states of disrepair." The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement, South Central U.S. page for the accident airport, in part, stated the following: "Wildlife on and [in vicinity of] airport."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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