According to the student pilot, the single engine airplane was configured in a crab profile during the landing. After the flare, the airplane settled into ground effect and was struck by a deer. The student pilot reported that the deer approached from the left and struck the left main landing gear. He initiated a go-around, but the left wing struck the ground. The airplane landed hard on the nose landing gear, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane slid to a stop after exiting the runway to the right. Substantial damage was sustained to the firewall.

The airport facility directory states that deer are present on, and in the vicinity of the airport.

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