No fatalities

Deer Strike During Landing Roll Damages Aircraft Wing and Fuselage

NEW MARKET, VA, United States

On July 19, 2017, a PIPER PA28 151 was involved in an aviation accident near NEW MARKET, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane’s collision with a deer during the landing roll. 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

During landing roll, two deer ran onto the runway; one struck the left side of the airplane, causing substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Pilot reported no preaccident mechanical issues.

Incident Details

The pilot of the airplane reported that, during the landing roll, two deer entered the runway. One of the animals impacted the left side of the aircraft.

Damage

The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Pilot Report

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

Airport Information

The Federal Aviation Administration Chart Supplement airport page for the destination airport includes a note: "Deer and birds on and [in the vicinity of the runway]."

Contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 2017 PIPER PA28 151 accident near NEW MARKET, VA?

During landing roll, two deer ran onto the runway; one struck the left side of the airplane, causing substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Pilot reported no preaccident mechanical issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 2017 PIPER PA28 151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 2017 involved a PIPER PA28 151, at NEW MARKET, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane’s collision with a deer during the landing roll.