Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

June 9, 2016 · Piper PA 32 300 · N31396

Lincoln Park, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 9, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Lincoln Park, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA 32 300 (1978)
Tail Number
N31396
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA314

The pilot in command (PIC) reported that he executed a normal approach, following an instrument proficiency check. He reported that during the landing flare the flight instructor, "grabbed the yoke and pulled up," and he heard a loud thump. The PIC reported that he thought the flight instructor was performing a go around, however the flight instructor said, "we hit a deer and must not go around." The airplane settled to the runway, the right wing "dipped onto the ground" and slid to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right main landing gear attachment point. The PIC reported that he exited the airplane and saw the right main landing gear and the deer on the runway near the intended touchdown point. The pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane prior to striking the deer.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

The pilot in command (PIC) reported that he executed a normal approach, following an instrument proficiency check. He reported that during the landing flare the flight instructor, "grabbed the yoke and pulled up," and he heard a loud thump. The PIC reported that he thought the flight instructor was performing a go around, however the flight instructor said, "we hit a deer and must not go around." The airplane settled to the runway, the right wing "dipped onto the ground" and slid to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right main landing gear attachment point. The PIC reported that he exited the airplane and saw the right main landing gear and the deer on the runway near the intended touchdown point. The pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane prior to striking the deer.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EDT
Nearest AirportLincoln Park (0nm ESE)
Runway01
Runway Length2942 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 32 300
Tail NumberN31396
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 54 · Second Class · None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 14 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data