CESSNA 172B near Shellman Bluff, GA — 2013-09-08

Probable cause

An inadvertent collision with a deer during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was landing at a private airport after a cross-country flight. During the landing flare, just prior to touchdown, a small deer ran onto the runway toward the airplane. The pilot increased engine power and attempted to climb; however, the deer struck and substantially damaged the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reduced engine power and subsequently landed on the runway without further incident. The pilot indicated that he did not experience any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

NTSB coding

• Wildlife encounter (non-bird) · Landing-flare/touchdown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photograph # 1 – Postaccident overview of the left side of the empennagephotos
• Photograph # 2 – Close-up view of the damage to left side of the horizontal stabilizer.photos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 172

  2025-11-05 · Grantsburg, WI

• CIRRUS SR22

  2018-06-30 · Hudson, NY

• PIPER PA46

  2017-07-16 · Franklin, VA

• CESSNA 172

  2016-11-20 · Dayton, TN

• CESSNA 150

  2016-07-27 · Williamsburg, VA

• GRENIER RAYMOND VANS AIRCRAFT

  2016-05-11 · Keene, NH