Assessing Aircraft Damage and Repair Implications
At 4:56 in
LUCKY to Be ALIVE! We Hit a DEER on the RUNWAY While LANDING!
What happens here
The pilot conducts a detailed walk-around inspection of the Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, pointing out all visible damage. He identifies cracks and greasy fingerprints on the cowling, indicating an initial impact. The video then shows close-ups of a significant dent on the leading edge of the wing, bent landing gear fairings, and even strands of deer hair found on the landing gear, confirming the nature of the collision. He explains that even minor-looking damage to a certified aircraft can lead to extremely expensive repairs, especially if the propeller or engine crankshaft was affected, which could necessitate a complete engine tear-down and inspection by an FAA-approved mechanic.
Goal: Identify the extent of damage from the deer strike and understand the stringent repair requirements for aircraft.
Tools and materials
- Aircraft Cowling N/A — Outer covering of the engine, showing cracks and impact marks
- Engine Lycoming — The aircraft's engine, at risk of internal damage (e.g., crankshaft issues) from prop strikes
- Landing Gear Fairings N/A — Aerodynamic covers over the landing gear, showing dents and peeling
- Landing Gear Strut N/A — The structural support for the landing gear, showing impact damage and attached deer hair
- Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Piper — The damaged aircraft being inspected
- Propeller N/A — The aircraft's propeller, subject to potential hidden damage from impact
- Wing Leading Edge N/A — The front edge of the wing, showing a significant dent
- Deer Hair N/A — Physical evidence of the deer collision on the landing gear