Primary finding
Probable cause
An inadvertent collision with a deer during takeoff and the airplane’s subsequent departure from the runway and impact with a tree.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that as the airplane had accelerated to lift-off speed a deer appeared directly in front of the propeller. The airplane struck the deer and veered left. The airplane's left wing was substantially damaged when it subsequently impacted a tree. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane before the deer strike.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that as the airplane was accelerating to lift off speed during takeoff when a deer appeared directly in front of the propeller. The airplane struck the deer and then the airplane drifted left. The airplane's left wing subsequently impacted a tree where it sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane prior to the deer strike.