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Airplane Strikes VASI After Avoiding Deer on Runway (N1216T)

Norwood, MA, US

On November 2, 1996, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1216T) was involved in an aviation accident near Norwood, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to perform a go-around, when an animal obstructed the runway; and his failure to maintain clearance from an obstruction (VASI). 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

A pilot returning to his departure airport at 2100 performed a go-around due to inability to activate pilot controlled lighting. On the second approach, he observed a deer, veered left onto grass, and struck the VASI after a 300-foot ground roll.

Flight Details

The pilot was returning to his departure airport at 2100. He flew the localizer approach to runway 35. The control tower was closed, and the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) reported that pilot controlled lighting (PCL) was in operation.

Go-Around

The pilot stated that he was unable to activate the PCL and performed a go-around. During the go-around, he was able to activate the runway lights, which included the visual approach slope indicator (VASI) for runway 35.

Second Approach and Evasive Maneuver

During the second approach, while on final, the pilot reduced power at 100 feet. He then observed a deer on the runway. The pilot veered the airplane left to avoid the deer, and the airplane touched down on the grass parallel to the runway.

Ground Roll and Impact

After a ground roll of approximately 300 feet, the airplane struck the VASI.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 1996 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Norwood, MA?

A pilot returning to his departure airport at 2100 performed a go-around due to inability to activate pilot controlled lighting. On the second approach, he observed a deer, veered left onto grass, and struck the VASI after a 300-foot ground roll.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Nov 1996 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 1996 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N1216T, at Norwood, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to perform a go-around, when an animal obstructed the runway; and his failure to maintain clearance from an obstruction (VASI). Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, an animal (deer) on the runway, and the proximity of the obstruction.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07104. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.