NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that, during a night landing, he saw "a streak of motion" in his peripheral vision, followed by an impact to the empennage. He regained directional control and taxied clear of the runway.

In a postaccident examination, it was revealed that a deer struck the horizontal stabilizer, which sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A deer collided with aircraft during landing at night.