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NTSB Report

February 23, 2019 · Cessna 172 S · N5338N

Princeton, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Princeton, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2003)
Tail Number
N5338N
Operator
Raritan Valley Flying School
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA153

The pilot reported that, while landing at night, the airplane struck two deer on the runway. He added that he did not see the deer on the runway during the approach and landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory for the accident airport, stated, in part, "Deer and birds on and [in the vicinity of the airport]." The pilot stated that the airport's fencing was intermittent and that deer were frequently seen around the airport. The airport manager added that the airport's perimeter fence only covered the eastern and southern perimeter and that a deer strike occurred at least once every 2 years. However, according to the FAA Wildlife Strike Database the last reported wildlife strike at the accident airport occurred on April 10, 2012. The FAA's Part 139 CertAlert, No. 16-03, "Recommended Wildlife Exclusion Fencing," which provides airfield exclusion methods for deer and other large mammals, recommends constructing fencing "fully around the airfield without gaps."

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Ability to respond/compensate - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing at night, the airplane struck two deer on the runway. He added that he did not see the deer on the runway during the approach and landing. The airplane substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory, for the accident airport, in part stated: "Deer and birds on and [in the vicinity of the airport]." The pilot stated that the airport's fencing was intermittent, and that deer were frequently seen in and around the airport. Airport Manager added that the airport's perimeter fence only covered the eastern and southern perimeter and that a deer strike occurred at least once every two years. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Wildlife Strike Database, for the accident airport, the last reported wildlife strike occurred on April 10, 2012. The FAA maintains a comprehensive program to address wildlife hazard through a database and a reporting strike form. (For more information, see Form Approved OMB No. 2120-0045 in the public docket.) The FAA, under National Part 139 CertALert, No. 16-03, Recommended Wildlife Exclusion Fencing, provides airfield exclusion methods for deer and other large mammals. (For more information, see CertALert No. 16-03 in the public docket.)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:40 EST
Nearest AirportPrinceton (0nm NE)
Runway10
Runway Length3499 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN5338N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRaritan Valley Flying School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind90° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data