No fatalities

Airplane Experiences Runway Excursion After Deer Spotted During Landing (N2613R)

Factoryville, PA, US

On March 29, 2004, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N2613R) was involved in an aviation accident near Factoryville, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An encounter with a deer, as reported by the pilot. A factor in this accident was the muddy grass off the left side of the runway. 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

An airplane veered off the runway after the pilot observed a deer at touchdown, resulting in the right main landing gear becoming stuck in mud and the right wing striking the ground.

Event

The airplane was landing on runway 4, a 2,500-foot-long, 50-foot-wide asphalt runway. According to the pilot, as the airplane touched down, a deer was observed on the runway. The pilot elected to apply left rudder and continue the rollout on the grass located off the left side of the runway, between the runway and a taxiway.

Sequence of Events

During the rollout on the grass, the airplane's right main landing gear became stuck in mud. Subsequently, the airplane spun around, and the right wing struck the ground. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

Weather Conditions

Winds reported at an airport located about 17 miles south of the accident site, around the time of the accident, were from 160 degrees at 10 knots. No other weather conditions were mentioned.

Investigation

The investigation source provided no stated cause for the accident. The information is limited to the pilot's account of the deer on the runway and the subsequent actions taken.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Mar 2004 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Factoryville, PA?

An airplane veered off the runway after the pilot observed a deer at touchdown, resulting in the right main landing gear becoming stuck in mud and the right wing striking the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Mar 2004 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Mar 2004 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N2613R, at Factoryville, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An encounter with a deer, as reported by the pilot. A factor in this accident was the muddy grass off the left side of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040723X01044. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.