Primary finding
Probable cause
The collision with a deer during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a night takeoff from the turf runway, the airplane collided with a deer. The pilot experienced controllability problems while trying to land and elected to perform a no-flap landing. The airplane landed without further incident. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed damage to the left flap and substantial damage to the left elevator. A review of the airport directory found a remark to alert pilots to deer on and in the vicinity of the airport. A search of the FAA’s Wildlife Strike Database did not find any previously reported wildlife strikes at the accident airport.