Plane Lands Safely in Spencer After Deer Strike Damages Landing Gear

No injuries were reported in a rough landing Saturday evening at the Spencer Airport.

According to preliminary information released by the Federal Aviation Administration, the landing gear of a Piper PA-30 struck a deer while taking off from the Rockwell City Municipal Airport around 7:30 pm Saturday. The report says the landing gear collapsed when the aircraft landed at the Spencer Municipal Airport a short time later.

Four people were on board the plane, with no reports of injuries.

Fire departments from Spencer, Fostoria and Everly stood by as a precaution, along with an ambulance and deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

The airport was reportedly closed for a short time after the incident so crews could inspect the runway for any debris.

A source told fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO in Spirit Lake that the landing gear was found Monday afternoon near the Rockwell City Airport.

The plane is a 1966 model and is registered to a company in Chicago.

The incident remains under investigation by the FAA.

(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO in Spirit Lake)

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