No fatalities

Deer Strike Damages Right Wing During Landing Roll

West Seneca, NY, United States

On October 27, 2017, a PIPER PA28 151 was involved in an aviation accident near West Seneca, NY. 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 the landing roll in daytime visual conditions, a deer emerged from high grass and struck the right wing, causing substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Details

A flight instructor reported that, during the landing roll in day visual meteorological conditions, a deer suddenly appeared from high grass and bushes to the right of the runway. The instructor stated that before he could react, the deer impacted the inboard section of the right wing. The instructor brought the airplane to a stop on the runway and subsequently taxied to the ramp without further incident.

Damage

The right wing sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact.

Preaccident Status

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

Airport Environment

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

Contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Oct 2017 PIPER PA28 151 accident near West Seneca, NY?

During the landing roll in daytime visual conditions, a deer emerged from high grass and struck the right wing, causing substantial damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Oct 2017 PIPER PA28 151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Oct 2017 involved a PIPER PA28 151, at West Seneca, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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