| Crash location | 35.118056°N, 102.185000°W |
| Nearest city | Wildorado, TX
35.209498°N, 102.200477°W 6.4 miles away |
| Tail number | N3535Y |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 31 Jan 2003 |
| Aircraft type | Cessna 182F |
| Additional details: | None |
On January 31, 2003, at approximately 1730 central standard time, a Cessna 182F single-engine airplane, N3535Y, registered to and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged after colliding with livestock while on final approach to a private ranch airstrip located near Wildorado, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated at 1530 from Wildorado, Texas.
The 1,266-hour pilot, who had accumulated 663 hours in the accident aircraft, reported that while on final approach, a 600-pound calf crossed into the aircraft's flight path. The aircraft then struck the calf with its landing gear. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the engine firewall and bottom of the fuselage.
The dirt airstrip was reported to be 2,000 feet long and 50 feet wide. The pilot reported he was landing to the west, into the setting sun.
The airplane collided with an animal that wandered onto the runway. A contributing factor was sun glare impairing the pilot's view on final approach.