What happened
On 8 October 2009, a SAAB-Scania SF340A, registration G-GNTF, was performing a commercial cargo flight from Edinburgh to RAF Kinloss, Scotland. During the landing roll on Runway 26, the crew observed two deer running across the path of the aircraft from left to right at a speed of approximately 40 to 50 knots.
In an effort to maintain directional control, the commander applied maximum braking and steered the aircraft toward the left. During this ground roll, the deer passed along the right side of the aircraft, resulting in a strike to the right-hand propeller. The impact caused significant vibration, prompting the crew to shut down both engines and bring the aircraft to a complete stop.
The investigation
Following the incident, a physical inspection of the aircraft was conducted. The investigation established that the impact with the deer had caused a propeller tip to shear off. This detached component subsequently made contact with the side of the fuselage, resulting in damage to both the propeller and the aircraft's fuselage side.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the impact between the right-hand propeller and a deer during the landing phase.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the right propeller and the fuselage side.
- There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.