On 16 Jul 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.
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."