FTW98LA108

The multi-engine aircraft struck several deer during a night landing roll at the airstrip. The deer entered the right side of the runway, and the pilot was not able to avoid the airplane's impact with the animals.

On January 27, 1998, at 2100 central standard time, a Cessna 340 multiengine airplane, N340CK, struck several deer during the landing roll at the Wagoner Airstrip, Wagoner, Oklahoma. The airplane was operated and flown by a private individual under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, a pilot rated passenger, and the other 2 passengers were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed El Reno, Oklahoma, at 2000.

During a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the pilot-in-command reported that the flight received VFR flight following with Tulsa Approach Control from El Reno to Wagoner. The pilot cancelled the flight following when he had the destination airport in site. The airplane landed to the south and during the landing roll, the deer entered the right side of the runway. The right wing (tip) fuel tank, the right engine nacelle, the propeller, and the right main gear struck the deer. The right propeller separated from the engine, the right main gear collapsed, and the airplane exited the right side of the runway. The pilots and passengers were releasing their seat belts to exit the aircraft when a fire erupted at the right wing (tip) fuel tank. All the occupants exited the aircraft. Local authorities were notified, and the fire personnel responded within a few minutes.