Primary finding
Probable cause
The sudden movement of an animal into the path of the aircraft during takeoff roll. Factors were the inability of the pilot to establish a visual lookout down the runway due to the runway's 'crowned' midpoint.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff from a private airstrip, the airplane collided with a cow. The pilot had just landed to the north and taxied to the south end of the strip in order to board a passenger. He then proceeded to takeoff to the north. The airstrip is located on a hillside with a pronounced 'crown' at its midpoint inhibiting the pilot's view of the other end.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 13, 1995, at 1730 central standard time, a Cessna 140, N76981, collided with a cow during takeoff from a private airstrip near Fentress, Texas. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the CFR Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, he had just landed to the north and taxied to the south end of the strip where a passenger boarded the airplane for the short flight to San Marcos, Texas. He further reported that the gravel strip is located on a hillside, with a pronounced crown at the midpoint which inhibits "being able to see the other end of the airstrip." The pilot reported that during takeoff roll to the north, "a cow ran right out in front" of the airplane." Unable to avoid impact, he decided to "jump the airplane over the cow." The aircraft subsequently struck the animal, veered to the right, and came to rest in soft dirt on the side of the runway. -