NTSB Factual Report

On January 21, 2005, at 0645 Central Standard Time, a Cessna 182 single engine airplane, N832TC, sustained substantial damage after it collided with a deer during a go-around on Runway 03 at Graham Municipal Airport (RPH), near Graham, Texas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private corporation. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed for the 87-nautical mile cross country flight that originated from Addison Airport (ADS), Dallas, Texas, about 0600, with Graham, Texas, as its intended destination.

According to the pilot, it was still dark outside when he made a visual approach to Runway 03. As he leveled the airplane to land, he saw three deer crossing the runway directly in front of him and elected to abort the landing. During the go-around, the left main wheel struck one of the deer. The pilot elected to abort the go-around and landed on the remaining runway and taxied to the ramp. The deer was killed and was found laying on the middle of the runway.

The airplane was examined by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic on February 28, 2005. According to the inspector, the left main landing gear, including the wheel and gear fairings and attach bracket were damaged, the center and left side floorboards were buckled, and the right elevator was twisted downward. There was also skin damage noted to the left horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land with an instrument rating. He reported a total of 375 flight hours, of which 269 were in the same make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane's collision with a deer during a go-around. A contributing factor was the prevailing night condition.