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Pilot Reports Deer Strike During Go-Around at Bessemer Airport, Diverts to Birmingham (N902NS)

Birmingham, AL, US

On February 2, 2006, a Cessna 172P (registration N902NS) operated by Northern States Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight collision with a deer during a go around, which resulted in damage to the left main landing gear and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear. 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

A pilot reported that while on approach to Runway 5 at Bessemer Airport, two deer entered the landing light. During a go-around, the left main gear struck one deer, causing severe damage. The pilot diverted to Birmingham International Airport and performed an emergency landing.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an aircraft reported that while entering the traffic pattern for Runway 5 at Bessemer Airport, Bessemer, Alabama, about 10 feet above the ground, two deer came into the landing light from the left. The pilot initiated a go-around. As he started to pull up and climb, the left main landing gear contacted one of the deer.

Post-Strike Actions

After the strike, the pilot continued the climb to a safe altitude and cleaned up the aircraft. Upon external inspection, the left main gear was found to be severely damaged. The pilot made the decision to divert to Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham, Alabama.

Approach and Landing

Arriving at Birmingham, the pilot was vectored for a visual approach to Runway 36. The airplane was landed on the right main landing gear, and the pilot held the airplane off the ground as long as possible. Subsequently, the left wing and stabilizer contacted the runway, and the airplane went off the left side of the runway, coming to a complete stop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Feb 2006 Cessna 172P accident near Birmingham, AL?

A pilot reported that while on approach to Runway 5 at Bessemer Airport, two deer entered the landing light. During a go-around, the left main gear struck one deer, causing severe damage. The pilot diverted to Birmingham International Airport and performed an emergency landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Feb 2006 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Feb 2006 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N902NS, operated by Northern States Aviation, Inc., at Birmingham, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An in-flight collision with a deer during a go around, which resulted in damage to the left main landing gear and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060322X00327. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.