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Aircraft Strikes Deer on Landing at Airport

Bolivar, MO, United States

On July 22, 2011, a PIPER PA-32-260 was involved in an aviation accident near Bolivar, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision with a deer during landing at an airport with known wildlife activity. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane struck a deer upon touchdown during landing, causing substantial damage to the right wing leading edge, part of the integral fuel tank. The pilot noted tall vegetation may have attracted wildlife.

Accident Details

During the landing roll at the destination airport, the airplane collided with a deer upon touchdown. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing leading edge, which is an integral part of the fuel tank.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the airport had not been recently mowed. According to the pilot, the vegetation along each side of the runway was more than 36 inches in height, which may have acted as an attractant to wildlife.

Airport Information

The Airport Facility Directory for the airport includes remarks stating that there is wildlife on and in the vicinity of the airport.

Contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 2011 PIPER PA-32-260 accident near Bolivar, MO?

An airplane struck a deer upon touchdown during landing, causing substantial damage to the right wing leading edge, part of the integral fuel tank. The pilot noted tall vegetation may have attracted wildlife.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jul 2011 PIPER PA-32-260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 2011 involved a PIPER PA-32-260, at Bolivar, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision with a deer during landing at an airport with known wildlife activity.

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