No fatalities

Aircraft Departs Runway During Deer Avoidance Maneuver (N783WW)

Staatsburg, NY, US

On October 16, 1999, a Cessna 182S (registration N783WW) was involved in an aviation accident near Staatsburg, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: was the pilot's encounter with an unseen embankment while maneuvering to avoid a deer on the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on a sod runway applied left brake to avoid a deer, causing the aircraft to depart the left side and strike brush, resulting in damage to the left wing, landing gear, and propeller.

Landing and Deer Encounter

A pilot performed a landing to a sod runway. During the rollout, he applied back pressure on the control yoke to keep the nose wheel off the runway. He then applied the brakes and lowered the nose, at which point he observed a deer on the runway. In his own words, '...and lo and behold, there was a deer! I applied left brake to avoid the deer and went down an embankment I was unaware of.'

Runway Excursion and Damage

The airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck brush, and sustained damage to the left wing, the left main landing gear, and the propeller. No further details about the aircraft, pilot, or location were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Oct 1999 Cessna 182S accident near Staatsburg, NY?

A pilot landing on a sod runway applied left brake to avoid a deer, causing the aircraft to depart the left side and strike brush, resulting in damage to the left wing, landing gear, and propeller.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Oct 1999 Cessna 182S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Oct 1999 involved a Cessna 182S, registration N783WW, at Staatsburg, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

was the pilot's encounter with an unseen embankment while maneuvering to avoid a deer on the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19972. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.