NTSB Factual Report

On January 28, 2002, at 2130 central standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N56729, piloted by a private pilot sustained substantial damage when a deer struck the airplane's right wing during landing on runway 32 (4,000 feet by 60 feet, dry asphalt) at Brenner Field (FNB), Falls City, Nebraska. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted without a flight plan under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and two passengers on board the airplane reported no injuries. The deer was fatally injured. The cross country flight originated at Atlantic, Iowa, and was en route to Falls City, Nebraska.

In his written statement, the pilot said they were in the flare and the main landing gear had touched down when he heard a loud bang and the airplane swerved right and then left. The pilot regained control of the airplane and taxied to parking. The pilot said that later he went out to the runway and found a 200 pound buck deer laying on the left side of the runway.

A FAA designated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic examined the airplane at FNB. The mechanic said that the center of the right wing where the metal fuel tank was located was broken open. The wing ribs in the area of the impact were crushed aft. The main spar, aft of the fuel tank, was bent aft. The right main landing gear skirt was broken aft. The gear leg was bent outward slightly. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the airplane's engine, engine controls and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The deer striking the airplane during landing. A factor relating to this accident was the dark night.