C172 pilot landing at a non-towered airport reported upon touchdown they saw a vehicle on the runway and conducted a touch and go to avoid it.
Synopsis
C172 pilot landing at a non-towered airport reported upon touchdown they saw a vehicle on the runway and conducted a touch and go to avoid it.
Narrative
On round out; suddenly noticed vehicle on right-hand side of far end of runway. Executed a no-delay touch and go; rotated to Vx; and side stepped climb out to the left. Did not see vehicle; or any movement; during initial approach into pattern (45 deg to left downwind) or subsequently. Made standard radio call outs throughout pattern; with no replies heard. Momentarily saw some bird activity in the vicinity of the vehicle at its end of the runway; so it may have been trying to clear a potential bird hazard. If so perhaps that effort was effective; since no birds were otherwise seen. Yet such an activity should have the ability to communicate on CTAF either directly or indirectly by observer; especially when operating on the active runway. Also the vehicle color and/or markings were non-distinct from its surroundings at that distance; and I saw no lights or other signaling (such as flag or banner).On my end; I know I will be even more hyper vigilant scanning the intended runway and environs. I've logged more than 1400 landings and never had an event like this. Though the evasive action was well within typical pilot skills and the normal operation of the aircraft; it was an intense moment that I plan to never encounter again.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.