Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the landing flare, as the main landing gear touched down, he observed three deer running across the runway from right to left, passing directly under the airplane. The pilot immediately added power and increased pitch to execute a go-around but was unable to clear the animals. He heard and felt an impact beneath the airplane.
Post-Impact Actions
After the impact, the pilot looked at the left engine mirror and noticed the nose landing gear "dangling." He decided to abort the go-around, reduced power, and landed back on the runway. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the gear collapse.
Preaccident Condition
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Airport Information
The Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory page for the accident airport included a caution: "Deer on and [in vicinity of] airport."