No fatalities

Nose Wheel Collapses After Pilot Avoids Deer on Runway

Franklin, VA, United States

On July 16, 2017, a PIPER PA46 350P operated by DW MILLER CONSTRUCTION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Franklin, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A collision with a deer during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. 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

After landing, a pilot turned to avoid a deer on the runway, causing the nose wheel to collapse and substantial damage to the engine mounts and firewall.

Incident Summary

The pilot reported that during a day visual meteorological conditions flight, just after touchdown, a deer jumped onto the runway. The pilot made a hard left turn into soft grass next to the runway. As the airplane was almost stopped, the nose wheel collapsed.

Aircraft and Damage

The engine mounts and firewall sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

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

Airport Information

The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement for the airport stated in part: "Deer on and invof [in the vicinity of] airport."

Contributing factors

Causes

Ability to respond/compensate

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 2017 PIPER PA46 350P accident near Franklin, VA?

After landing, a pilot turned to avoid a deer on the runway, causing the nose wheel to collapse and substantial damage to the engine mounts and firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jul 2017 PIPER PA46 350P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 2017 involved a PIPER PA46 350P, operated by DW MILLER CONSTRUCTION INC, at Franklin, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A collision with a deer during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.