No fatalities

Pilot Distracted by Deer on Runway, Aircraft Overruns and Hits Trees (N5326J)

Center Island, WA, US

On May 19, 2003, a Cessna 172 N (registration N5326J) was involved in an aviation accident near Center Island, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not attain the proper touchdown point during landing. The pilot's diverted attention, deer near the runway, and trees were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

On approach for landing, a pilot was distracted by deer near the runway. After committing to land, the aircraft overran the runway, struck trees, and sustained substantial damage.

Event Summary

During final approach to runway 17, the pilot observed deer on the runway midfield and initiated a go-around. On the second approach, the pilot focused attention on the deer to ensure they did not move onto the runway center. Although the deer stayed clear, the distraction caused the pilot to continue too far down the runway for a safe go-around. Committed to landing, the pilot applied brakes immediately upon touchdown, but reported that "grass skid" was a problem. The aircraft traveled beyond the end of the runway, impacting two small trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Sequence of Events

The pilot first spotted deer on the runway during final approach and executed a go-around. On the subsequent approach, the pilot's attention was directed at monitoring the deer's position, leading to a late landing deeper into the runway. Unable to abort the landing due to insufficient remaining runway, the pilot braked hard after touchdown. However, braking effectiveness was reduced on the grassy surface, causing the aircraft to slide past the runway end and into trees.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage in the collision with the two small trees.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors were identified in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 2003 Cessna 172 N accident near Center Island, WA?

On approach for landing, a pilot was distracted by deer near the runway. After committing to land, the aircraft overran the runway, struck trees, and sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 May 2003 Cessna 172 N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 2003 involved a Cessna 172 N, registration N5326J, at Center Island, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not attain the proper touchdown point during landing. The pilot's diverted attention, deer near the runway, and trees were factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030521X00709. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.