PIPER PA28 near Knoxville, TN — 2025-06-08

Probable cause

A collision with a deer during the landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot had performed four uneventful landings, and during approach for the fifth landing, the flight instructor reported he scanned the runway environment and did not see anything that would warrant discontinuing the landing. The pilot continued the approach and after touchdown during the landing roll the flight instructor saw two deer run out from the tree line next to the runway. The flight instructor decided to apply the brakes, and while traveling at a speed of about 20 knots, one of the deer impacted the left wing, substantially damaging it. After the collision the airplane was taxied to the ramp and secured.

NTSB coding

• Wildlife encounter (non-bird) · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1 - FROM OPERATORform
• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1 - FROM PILOTSform
• RELEASE OF AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE, NTSB FORM 6120.15form
• INVESTIGATIVE PHOTOGRAPHSphotos

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