On March 18, 1986, a Cessna 172N (registration N1530E) operated by Joseph D. Dunway was involved in an aviation accident near Warren, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a deer during the flare for landing, which resulted in a collision with the propeller and subsequent fuel leak and fire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot struck a deer during the flare of a night landing, damaging the nose gear and engine compartment. A subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft after fuel fumes were detected.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a night landing approach when a deer suddenly ran in front of the aircraft during the flare phase. The propeller struck the animal, killing it immediately. The impact caused damage to the nose gear and the bottom of the engine compartment. Following the collision, the pilot reported smelling fuel fumes. As the front of the aircraft began sliding along the runway, a fire developed, which ultimately destroyed the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that the initial damage was caused by the propeller striking a deer during the final phase of landing. Subsequent examination revealed damage to the nose gear and the lower section of the engine compartment. The pilot's report of fuel fumes indicated a breach in the fuel system, which led to the ignition source for the fire that destroyed the aircraft.
Findings
Deer strike during the flare phase of a night landing
Damage to the nose gear and bottom of the engine compartment
Fuel leak resulting in fumes detected by the pilot
Fire developed after the aircraft began sliding on the runway
Total loss of the aircraft due to fire damage
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a deer during the flare for landing, which resulted in a collision with the propeller and subsequent fuel leak and fire.
What happened in the 18 Mar 1986 Cessna 172N accident near Warren, AR?
A pilot struck a deer during the flare of a night landing, damaging the nose gear and engine compartment. A subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft after fuel fumes were detected.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Mar 1986 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N1530E, operated by Joseph D. Dunway, at Warren, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a deer during the flare for landing, which resulted in a collision with the propeller and subsequent fuel leak and fire.
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