Student Pilot Strikes Deer During Landing, Resulting in Nose Gear Collapse

Incident Overview

A student pilot reported that during the landing approach in a single-engine airplane, the aircraft was configured in a crab profile. After the flare, the airplane entered ground effect and was struck by a deer. The deer approached from the left and struck the left main landing gear. The student initiated a go-around, but during the maneuver, the left wing struck the ground. The airplane then landed hard on the nose landing gear, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft slid to a stop after exiting the runway to the right.

Damage and Environmental Factors

Substantial damage was sustained to the firewall. The Airport Facility Directory notes that deer are present on and in the vicinity of the airport.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.