NTSB Factual Report

On June 29, 2005, at 2140 central daylight time, a single-engine Beech 35 airplane, N8735A, sustained substantial damage after it collided with a deer while landing on Runway 34 at the Boerne Stage Field Airport (5C1), near San Antonio, Texas. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. A flight plan was not filed for the 711-nautical mile cross country flight that originated from the Weedon Field Airport (EUF), near Eufaula, Alabama, about 1715, with 5C1, as its final destination.

The 785-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that it was a "very dark night" when he made his approach to 5C1. The pilot stated that the runway lights were already on when he entered the traffic pattern and when he was on final, he turned the airplane's landing lights on. Just after touch-down, while the nose-wheel was still in the air he, "saw something on the right [side], then felt a thud and saw a deer under the nose on the left side." The pilot then, "felt a second thud" which he believed to be the deer, passing under the left flap. The airplane's nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to skid on the runway, as the airplane veered to the right of the centerline. The airplane came to a stop approximately 20-feet from the right edge of the runway with, " the nose in the dirt and the tail up in the air." The pilot also noted that the deer was killed and was laying on the runway.

The pilot reported that the airplane's nosewheel had been sheered off at the lower strut, the lower engine cowl/gear doors were damaged, both propeller blades were bent back, and the left flap was bent upward.

The airplane was examined by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic. Photos of the airplane revealed structural damage occurred to the firewall.

The pilot stated in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 under the section; Recommendation (How This Accident Could Have Been Prevented): "Surround the airfield with a deer-proof fence, to keep deer and other wildlife off the runway. Use an airport dog that will chase deer away, or by eliminating food sources that attract wildlife."

At 2153, the automated weather observing system at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), approximately 16 miles southeast of the accident site, reported wind from 140 degrees at 12 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, 84 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 29.95 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane's collision with a deer during touchdown. A contributing factor was the prevailing dark night condition.