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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 21, 2005 · Cessna 421C · N6159X

Readington, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (8 uninjured)
Location
Readington, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 421C
Tail Number
N6159X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD05CA124

As the airplane touched down, a "herd of deer" ran across the runway into the airplane's path. The airplane struck 2 or 3 deer, then veered to the right, departing the runway surface.

NTSB Probable Cause

An encounter with animals during the landing - flare/touchdown.

Full Narrative

On August 21, 2005, at 1915 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 421C, N6159X, was substantially damaged when it impacted several deer while landing at Solberg Airport (N51), Readington, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot and 7 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight that originated from Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), Lebanon, New Hampshire, at 1745. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a telephone interview, the pilot described a routine flight, and said the airplane was performing "perfectly" as he approached the destination airport. At the exact moment of touchdown to the runway, a "herd of deer" ran across the runway in the airplane's path. The airplane struck 2 or 3 deer, then veered to the right and departed the runway surface. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at the scene. According to the inspector, two of the deer remained on the runway, and evidence of their collision with the airplane remained on the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 421C
Tail NumberN6159X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GTSIO-520L · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (8 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured8
Total8
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data