What happened
The aircraft was conducting a landing operation on the south runway when it collided with a deer during the landing roll. The pilot reported attempting to avoid the animals but was unable to prevent the impact.
Following the collision, the airplane taxied from the runway to the ramp area. During this taxi, fuel began to spill from the left wing structure. Upon inspection, an antler was discovered embedded in the left wing, having penetrated through the outer skin and into the internal fuel tank.
The investigation
A visual examination of the aircraft confirmed that the impact with the deer caused structural damage to the left wing. The penetration of the wing by the antler resulted in a breach of the fuel tank integrity. This breach allowed fuel to escape the system during taxi operations.
Approximately 150 gallons of aviation fuel drained from the aircraft onto the runway, taxiway, and ramp area. No further mechanical failures or structural issues were noted beyond the damage caused by the wildlife strike.