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November 5, 2025 · Cessna 172 M · N9490H

Grantsburg, WI

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 5, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Grantsburg, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172 M (1975)
Tail Number
N9490H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN26LA035

The pilot reported that the airplane was on final approach to the runway in dark night visual conditions with no moon illumination present. She observed that the airport lighting seemed dim and the area surrounding the runway was not illuminated. When she initiated the landing flare, she observed a white-tailed deer running across the runway from the right to the left. She initiated a go-around; however, the deer impacted the right horizontal stabilizer. During the go-around, she noticed a reduced climb performance and a right yaw, however she was able to safely control the airplane. She decided to divert to a different airport due to the possibility of additional deer being present near the runway or perhaps a dead deer on the runway. The pilot contacted air traffic control and landed at a nearby airport without further incident. The right horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The current airport entry in the FAA Airport/Facility Directory states in the remarks section, “deer & waterfowl on and invof arpt.” According to the University of Wisconsin, white-tail deer prefer an open forest environment consisting of meadows, woodland clearings and farmland and additionally prefer low light to forage, mainly at sunrise and sunset. The accident occurred about 1 hour and 38 minutes after sunset. The publicly owned airport, which is located next to a 30,000-acre state wildlife area, does not have fencing installed to exclude deer and other mammals, nor is it required to. The FAA has published CertAlert 16-03 Recommended Wildlife Exclusion Fencing and states in part: Proper fencing is the best way of keeping deer and coyotes off aircraft movement areas. The FAA recommends a 10-foot fence with 3-strand barbed wire outriggers.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Ability to respond/compensate

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane was on final approach to the runway in dark night visual conditions with no moon illumination present. She observed that the airport lighting seemed dim and the area surrounding the runway was not illuminated. When she initiated the landing flare, she observed a white-tailed deer running across the runway from the right to the left. She initiated a go-around; however, the deer impacted the right horizontal stabilizer. During the go-around, she noticed a reduced climb performance and a right yaw, however she was able to safely control the airplane. She decided to divert to a different airport due to the possibility of additional deer being present near the runway or perhaps a dead deer on the runway. The pilot contacted air traffic control and landed at a nearby airport without further incident. The right horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The current airport entry in the FAA Airport/Facility Directory states in the remarks section, “deer & waterfowl on and invof arpt.” According to the University of Wisconsin, white-tail deer prefer an open forest environment consisting of meadows, woodland clearings and farmland and additionally prefer low light to forage, mainly at sunrise and sunset. The accident occurred about 1 hour and 38 minutes after sunset. The publicly owned airport, which is located next to a 30,000-acre state wildlife area, does not have fencing installed to exclude deer and other mammals, nor is it required to. The FAA has published CertAlert 16-03 Recommended Wildlife Exclusion Fencing and states in part: Proper fencing is the best way of keeping deer and coyotes off aircraft movement areas. The FAA recommends a 10-foot fence with 3-strand barbed wire outriggers.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CST
Nearest AirportGrantsburg Muni (0nm WNW)
Runway12/3
Runway Length2999 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 M
Tail NumberN9490H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming Engines · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 F / 25 F
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time18:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data