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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 10, 2003 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3258W

Litchfield, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 10, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Litchfield, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3258W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA258

The airplane was damaged when it struck a deer during the landing roll at night. The pilot reported that he performed a low approach to check the runway condition prior to executing the landing. The pilot reported that one deer ran across the runway while the airplane was on the landing roll and shortly afterward, a second deer ran onto the runway and was struck by the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

An animal wandered onto the runway and collided with the airplane. A factor was the night light condition.

Full Narrative

On August 9, 2003, at 2040 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3258W, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when it struck a deer while landing on runway 36 (4,003 feet by 75 feet, concrete) at Litchfield Municipal Airport (3LF), Litchfield, Illinois. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and his three passengers reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed from St. Louis Regional Airport, Alton, Illinois, approximately at 2025 According to the pilot, he was flying to 3LF to conduct some night full-stop landings. He performed a low approach to check out the runway, then the pilot performed an uneventful approach and landing. As the airplane was slowing down, and before he started to brake, he saw a deer run across the runway in front of the airplane. Shortly after seeing the first deer, the airplane impacted a second deer which ran onto the runway. The airplane was damaged on the left fuselage and the left wing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:40 CDT
Nearest AirportLitchfield Muni (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length4003 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3258W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 054-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind340° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time02:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data