Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a deer during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the transition to takeoff while performing a touch and go, the pilot and flight instructor noticed a deer that ran out from tall grass adjacent to the runway. With the airplane already airborne, the flight crew was unable to avoid the deer. The deer impacted the right wing’s leading edge and wing flap bracket. The flight crew elected to continue the takeoff and returned to the departure airport, which had a longer runway for the landing. The airplane landed without further incident. Postaccident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.