On December 2, 1984, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-35 (registration N112SK) was involved in an aviation accident near Robert Lee, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a ferry flight to Robert Lee Airport, a pilot spotted deer on the runway during flare, banked left, and settled beside the runway. All landing gear collapsed during the rollout. The airport directory warns of deer.
Accident Summary
A ferry flight with a planned stop at Robert Lee Airport encountered wildlife on the runway during the landing approach. The aircraft sustained a collapse of all three landing gear during the landing roll.
Event Sequence
As the aircraft approached the runway, the pilot entered the flare phase. During this maneuver, the pilot observed three or four deer positioned in the middle of the runway. In response, the pilot executed a left bank. Before the pilot could add power to initiate a go-around, the aircraft settled to the ground adjacent to the runway. During the subsequent landing roll, all three landing gear assemblies collapsed.
Airport Information
The Robert Lee Airport is an unattended and unlighted facility. The published airport directory contains a warning advising pilots to watch for deer on the runway. The accident occurred after dark.