What happened
The aircraft departed the runway during an evasive maneuver intended to avoid a deer that had entered the active surface. The pilot reported being approximately 150 yards down the runway with the tail of the aircraft elevated when the animal ran onto the tarmac. In response, the pilot attempted to avoid collision but struck small trees and brush located off the side of the runway. This impact caused the landing gear to collapse.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed that the aircraft had departed the paved surface and made contact with vegetation. The structural damage was consistent with the pilot's account of striking trees and brush after leaving the runway environment. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the incident.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the loss of control was the evasive action taken to avoid a wildlife hazard on the active runway. The pilot was operating without an aerial application operators certificate at the time of the incident. The collision with off-runway obstacles resulted in significant damage to the landing gear assembly.
Safety message
Pilots should remain vigilant for wildlife hazards on and around runways. Evasive maneuvers near the ground carry a high risk of controlled flight into terrain or obstacles, particularly when vegetation is present close to the runway edge.