Pilot Applies Brakes to Avoid Deer, Resulting in Ground Loop on Grass Strip

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an incident that occurred during the landing roll on a grass strip runway. According to the pilot, a deer ran across the runway during the landing roll. The pilot stated that she felt the deer was too close to the airplane to initiate a go-around, so she applied the brakes hard. This caused the airplane to skid to the right and subsequently ground loop.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and horizontal stabilizer as a result of the ground loop.

Pilot Statement

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