What happened
On November 18, 2013, a PIPER PA 28-181, registration N30260, was performing its landing flare at Burwell, Nebraska. During this phase of flight, a deer ran toward the aircraft from the left side. In an attempt to avoid the animal, the pilot tried to raise the left wing. During the maneuver, the left main landing gear struck the deer, causing the gear to separate from the wing. The aircraft then skidded to a stop. There were no injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the wing spar, where the landing gear had attached, sustained substantial damage following the separation.