On October 9, 1989, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8149J) was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with a cow on the runway during takeoff, attributed to the pilot's inability to see the animal against the dark background until just before impact, compounded by inadequate airport fencing allowing animal access. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft collided with a cow on the runway during night takeoff operations. The pilot reported being unable to see the animal against the dark background until just before impact occurred.
What happened
During nighttime takeoff operations, an airplane struck a cow that had gained access to the airport grounds. The pilot reported that visibility conditions made it impossible to detect the animal on the asphalt runway due to the dark background. The collision occurred only moments after the animal became visible to the pilot.
The investigation noted that the airport infrastructure allowed for easy entry by large animals. Several potential access points were identified where livestock could have entered the airfield, though investigators could not determine the specific location used by the cow in this incident.
Probable cause
Collision with a cow on the runway during takeoff, attributed to the pilot's inability to see the animal against the dark background until just before impact, compounded by inadequate airport fencing allowing animal access.
What happened in the 9 Oct 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Tampa, FL?
An aircraft collided with a cow on the runway during night takeoff operations. The pilot reported being unable to see the animal against the dark background until just before impact occurred.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Oct 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8149J, at Tampa, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Collision with a cow on the runway during takeoff, attributed to the pilot's inability to see the animal against the dark background until just before impact, compounded by inadequate airport fencing allowing animal access.
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