20191111021019A

On Monday November 11, 2019, at approximately 7:15 p.m. eastern daylight time, a 2006 Symphony, model sa 160 with registration N844SA sustained major damage as a result of striking a deer up landing at the Fitzgerald Municipal Airport (kfzg) in Fitzgerald, Georgia. There was one person on board with no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. This was a personal flight being conducted under the provisions of title 14 code of federal regulations part 91.

On Wednesday November 13, 2019 an FAA inspector from the atlanta flight standards district office (FSDO), travelled to the Douglas municipal airport to perform an assessment of the aircraft damage and to determine the root cause of the accident. Once on scene the FAA inspector was met by the pilot in command (PIC) who stated that upon landing on runway 02 a deer ran across the runway from right to left and stuck the aircraft behind the prop and under the right side of the engine cowling. The PIC stated that all runway and airport lights were in working condition and were not a factor. Initial assessment of the damage revealed a large dent on the lower section of the right side engine cowling and a large gouge in the nose cone. There were scrape marks on the propeller but it was not bent. Once the engine cowlings were removed, there was a significant dent to the right side of the engine firewall and the aft engine mount.

An examination of the airfield revealed several areas of the runway that were not completely fenced and could allow wildlife to freely enter the landing area. During an interview with the airport manager he stated that the lack of funding in recent years has prevented the airport from installing the appropriate fencing needed to keep wildlife away from the airfield. The manager stated that it is his goal to save a percentage of his federal funds each year until enough funds can be accumulated to install the proper fencing needed.