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Night Landing Deer Strike Leads to Gear Separation on Subsequent Flight (N83894)

Austin, TX, US

On September 27, 1998, a Piper PA-32-301T (registration N83894) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision with deer during the landing roll. Factors were the dark night light condition and the separation of the lower strut assembly from the right main landing gear, on the subsequent flight. 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 struck a deer during a night landing roll, causing propeller and landing gear damage. The next day, the lower strut assembly and wheel separated from the right main landing gear after takeoff, forcing a diverted landing.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that, during the landing roll at night, the airplane impacted a deer. The propeller struck the deer, which subsequently struck the right main landing gear assembly. After the impact, the pilot taxied the airplane to the ramp and exited. The following morning, the pilot assessed the damage and decided to fly the airplane around the traffic pattern.

Gear Separation

Upon liftoff during the subsequent flight, the lower strut assembly from the right main landing gear, including the wheel, separated from the airplane. The pilot continued the flight and landed the airplane at another airport.

Post-Event Actions

No further details were provided regarding the pilot's actions after landing at the alternate airport. The aircraft was not flown again until repairs were made.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1998 Piper PA-32-301T accident near Austin, TX?

A pilot struck a deer during a night landing roll, causing propeller and landing gear damage. The next day, the lower strut assembly and wheel separated from the right main landing gear after takeoff, forcing a diverted landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Sept 1998 Piper PA-32-301T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1998 involved a Piper PA-32-301T, registration N83894, at Austin, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision with deer during the landing roll. Factors were the dark night light condition and the separation of the lower strut assembly from the right main landing gear, on the subsequent flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11072. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.