FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands Hard After Evading Elk on Short Final (N7179E)

Big Creek, ID, US

On September 17, 1998, a Cessna 182B (registration N7179E) operated by Fultz, James, D. was involved in an aviation accident near Big Creek, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An animal (cow elk) that had wandered onto the airport. 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 short final to a mountain landing site, a pilot flattened descent to avoid a cow elk, then added power but landed hard on a gravel/turf strip.

Incident Overview

A pilot on short final approach to a non-identified mountain landing site encountered a cow elk that moved from the trees and bushes into the approach area. The pilot reacted by flattening the descent to glide over the animal. After clearing the elk, the pilot readjusted the descent with the addition of power, but subsequently landed hard on the 1,100-foot-long gravel/turf landing site.

Landing Site Conditions

The landing site is unidirectional. The density altitude was estimated to be at least 4,110 feet at the time of the landing. The surface consisted of gravel and turf.

Sequence of Events

  • The pilot was on short final when the elk entered the approach path.
  • The pilot flattened the descent to avoid a collision.
  • After passing over the elk, the pilot added power and adjusted the descent.
  • The aircraft touched down hard on the landing strip.

No further details regarding the aircraft, pilot, or outcome are provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1998 Cessna 182B accident near Big Creek, ID?

During short final to a mountain landing site, a pilot flattened descent to avoid a cow elk, then added power but landed hard on a gravel/turf strip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N7179E, operated by Fultz, James, D., at Big Creek, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An animal (cow elk) that had wandered onto the airport.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11184. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.