Incident Overview
A 4,995-hour airline transport rated pilot was conducting a visual approach to Runway 17 at a public airport during a dark night. The runway, constructed of asphalt, measures 5,364 feet in length and 100 feet in width. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a coyote on the ground. The impact caused the nose wheel assembly to collapse.
Pilot Actions and Outcome
Despite the collapsed nose landing gear, the pilot maintained directional control and brought the airplane to a complete stop in an upright position on the runway. The aircraft remained upright throughout the event.
Occupant Egress
All occupants, including two crewmembers and eight passengers, were able to exit the airplane without assistance. No fire occurred during or after the incident.
Airport Environment
The public airport lacked a perimeter fence designed to prevent wildlife from entering the airfield. The pilot reported that the collision occurred during the landing roll on Runway 17.