What happened
On the evening of April 6, 2014, a DR400-180, registered F-GBUO, was performing night circuit patterns at the Bourg Ceyzériat aerodrome. During the fourth completed landing on the paved runway 36, the aircraft's right wing struck a deer approximately 300 meters after the wheels had touched the ground. The pilot reported feeling the impact of the collision but did not visually identify the animal.
At the time of the incident, the pilot had been flying with a PPL(A) since 1998 and was qualified for night operations. The aircraft's anti-collision lights, navigation lights, taxi lights, and landing lights were all illuminated. Notably, the taxi and landing lights on this specific aircraft model are positioned on the left wing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the animal's presence on the runway and the visibility conditions during the rollout. Investigators noted that the Bourg Ceyzériat aerodrome is an uncontrolled facility approved for night VFR operations. The airfield is situated adjacent to a wooded area and lacks perimeter fencing, as such fencing is not required by current regulations.
Findings
- The collision occurred because the right wing struck a deer that the pilot was unable to detect during the night rollout.
- The absence of perimeter fencing at the aerodrome allowed wildlife to enter the airfield environment and access the runway area.