Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Cow During Takeoff, Landing Gear Damaged (N9381G)

Prattville, AL, US

On July 2, 1983, a Cessna A188B (registration N9381G) was involved in an aviation accident near Prattville, AL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural aircraft hit a cow during takeoff, breaking off the right main landing gear. The cow was killed. The pilot continued the takeoff and landed in a pasture.

Incident Details

During a takeoff for an aerial application flight, the aircraft collided with a cow. The impact broke off the right main landing gear. The pilot reported that the cow had entered the airstrip through a fence. The airstrip featured a small rise that obstructed the pilot's view, preventing timely detection of the animal.

Sequence of Events

The pilot lowered the flaps and attempted to fly over the cow, but the right main landing gear struck the animal. Despite the collision, the pilot continued the takeoff. The aircraft subsequently landed in a pasture adjacent to the airstrip.

Aftermath

The cow was killed in the collision. The pilot sustained no reported injuries. The aircraft's right main landing gear was broken off as a result of the impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43606. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.