NTSB Factual Report

On December 13, 2001, about 1755 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N4328B, collided with a deer during landing flare at the Pine Mountain Lake (uncontrolled) Airport, Groveland, California. The airplane was substantially damaged. Neither the commercial certificated pilot nor the two passengers were injured during the nighttime flight. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The personal flight originated from San Jose, California, about 1700.

The pilot indicated to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that the runway lights were operating upon his arrival at Groveland. It was a dark night, and he did not observe any animals on or in the vicinity of runway 09. During landing flare, a deer crossed the runway in front of the airplane. The airplane's undercarriage impacted the deer, and the left main landing gear collapsed. Thereafter, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The airplane came to rest in an upright attitude on airport property, oriented 180 degrees from the landing direction. There was no fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration's "Airport/Facility Directory" contains the following remarks regarding the presence of animals at the airport: "Be alert deer on and in vicinity of arpt...."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's collision with an unobserved animal that entered the active runway during the dark nighttime when the pilot's visibility was diminished.