On November 18, 2000, a Cessna 177RG (registration N8027G) was involved in an aviation accident near Wautoma, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the deer that traveled onto the runway and contacted the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the night light conditions and the light snow that was falling. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, a pilot veered to avoid a deer on the runway, but the animal contacted the left horizontal stabilizer. Light snow and bright night conditions reduced visibility of the deer.
Incident Overview
The aircraft struck a deer during the landing roll. The pilot reported keeping the nose wheel off the runway as long as possible after touchdown. As the nose began to descend, he observed a deer approximately 50 to 60 feet ahead on the runway.
Evasive Action
To avoid hitting the deer with the propeller and nose of the airplane, the pilot veered to the right. The deer panicked and ran back toward the aircraft. While the wing passed over the top of the deer, the animal made contact with the left horizontal stabilizer.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot stated that the light conditions were bright night and light snow was falling, which diminished his ability to see the deer on the runway.
Outcome
The collision resulted in contact between the deer and the left horizontal stabilizer. No further details about injuries or damage were provided in the source.