What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was attempting to land on a gravel airstrip measuring 900 feet in length and 45 feet in width. During the landing flare phase, a bear suddenly entered the landing area directly in the path of the approaching airplane.
To avoid a collision with the animal, the pilot executed evasive maneuvers while simultaneously applying the brakes. As the aircraft was being pulled off the right side of the airstrip during this maneuver, the right wingtip contacted nearby brush. This contact resulted in substantial damage to both wingtips and the tail assembly of the airplane.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board examined the physical evidence at the scene. Investigators noted the condition of the gravel airstrip and the location where the aircraft came to rest off the right side of the runway. Examination of the airframe confirmed substantial damage to both wingtips and the tail assembly, consistent with the pilot's account of contacting brush while avoiding the animal.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the presence of wildlife on the active landing area. The short length of the gravel airstrip limited the pilot's options for stopping or maneuvering safely. The decision to avoid the bear necessitated immediate braking and directional control inputs that led to the aircraft leaving the paved surface and striking vegetation.