Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a deer on the runway during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was conducting an instructional flight near dusk and was demonstrating a touch-and-go. Once the nose wheel began to lift off the runway, he noticed a streak of brown appear in front of the airplane, and he felt a thud. The right wing struck a deer, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot continued the takeoff, notified air traffic control, and returned to the airport without further incident.