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Nighttime Deer Strike Leads to Landing Gear Collapse and Loss of Control (N4328B)

Groveland, CA, US

On December 14, 2001, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N4328B) operated by Silvano Gai was involved in an aviation accident near Groveland, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's collision with an unobserved animal that entered the active runway during the dark nighttime when the pilot's visibility was diminished. 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 the landing flare on runway 09 at an uncontrolled airport in darkness, an unseen deer crossed the runway. The airplane struck the deer, causing the landing gear to collapse, veering off the runway and coming to rest facing the opposite direction.

Incident Overview

During a dark nighttime landing flare on runway 09 at an uncontrolled airport, a deer that was not observed by the pilot crossed the active runway in front of the approaching airplane. The airplane's undercarriage struck the deer, resulting in the collapse of the landing gear. Subsequently, the pilot lost control of the airplane as it veered off the runway. The aircraft came to rest oriented 180 degrees from the intended landing direction.

Airport Information

The Federal Aviation Administration's "Airport/Facility Directory" for the airport included the following remark: "Be alert deer on and in vicinity of arpt." This advisory was present in the official documentation available to pilots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Dec 2001 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Groveland, CA?

During the landing flare on runway 09 at an uncontrolled airport in darkness, an unseen deer crossed the runway. The airplane struck the deer, causing the landing gear to collapse, veering off the runway and coming to rest facing the opposite direction.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Dec 2001 Piper PA-32R-301T accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Dec 2001 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N4328B, operated by Silvano Gai, at Groveland, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's collision with an unobserved animal that entered the active runway during the dark nighttime when the pilot's visibility was diminished.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011228X02466. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.