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Casualties unknown

Deer Contact with Tail Jams Elevator During Go-Around, Airplane Noses Over (N4855N)

Bad Axe, MI, US

On June 28, 1996, a Cessna 182Q (registration N4855N) was involved in an aviation accident near Bad Axe, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a deer that ran onto the runway. The light condition at dusk was a related factor. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During landing flare at dusk, a passenger alerted the pilot to a deer off the runway. The pilot attempted a go-around, but the deer contacted the tail, jamming the elevator. The airplane climbed to 20-25 feet, then nosed down, contacted the runway nose-first, slid off, and nosed over.

Event Details

At dusk, while conducting a landing flare, a passenger informed the pilot that a deer was present off the right side of the runway. The pilot initiated a go-around.

Sequence of Events

During the go-around, the deer made contact with the tail of the airplane, causing the elevator control surface to jam. The airplane subsequently climbed to an altitude of approximately 20 to 25 feet. From this height, it entered a nose-down descent toward the runway. The nose of the airplane struck the runway first. After impact, the airplane slid off the side of the runway and nosed over.

No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or occupants. The extent of damage and any injuries were not specified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 1996 Cessna 182Q accident near Bad Axe, MI?

During landing flare at dusk, a passenger alerted the pilot to a deer off the runway. The pilot attempted a go-around, but the deer contacted the tail, jamming the elevator. The airplane climbed to 20-25 feet, then nosed down, contacted the runway nose-first, slid off, and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 1996 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N4855N, at Bad Axe, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a deer that ran onto the runway. The light condition at dusk was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.