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Airplane Noses Over After Pilot Applies Brakes to Avoid Deer (N70HU)

Watervliet, MI, US

On July 6, 2006, an Aviat A-1 (registration N70HU) was involved in an aviation accident near Watervliet, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The presence of the deer on the runway which resulted in the pilot taking evasive action leading to the nose-over. A factor was the excessive braking by the pilot. 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 nosed over during landing on a private grass airstrip after the pilot applied brakes to avoid a deer that entered the runway.

Accident Details

The airplane was damaged when it nosed over during landing on a private grass airstrip. According to the pilot, the landing was conducted at the private strip to give a ride to a person. The pilot performed a flyby of the airstrip to check its condition and then entered a normal traffic pattern.

Landing and Deer Encounter

The pilot reported touching down "very early on the runway." During the landing roll, a deer came onto the runway from an adjacent field. Upon seeing the deer, the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane then flipped over onto its back.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane. He estimated the runway to be 800 feet long and 75 feet wide.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 2006 Aviat A-1 accident near Watervliet, MI?

An airplane nosed over during landing on a private grass airstrip after the pilot applied brakes to avoid a deer that entered the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 2006 Aviat A-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 2006 involved an Aviat A-1, registration N70HU, at Watervliet, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The presence of the deer on the runway which resulted in the pilot taking evasive action leading to the nose-over. A factor was the excessive braking by the pilot.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060809X01130. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.