Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s impact with a deer during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll at dusk and a few seconds after becoming airborne, a large white-tailed deer entered the active runway and impacted the airplane. The pilot was able to land the airplane on the remaining runway without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures of malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Following the accident and after discussing the circumstances surrounding the accident with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the airport management team created and implemented a deer caution notice for the airport’s automated weather observing system.