Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane struck a deer on the runway while performing touch-and-go landings. Contributing to the accident was the dusk light condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was performing touch-and-go landings on runway 01. Following the third landing, right at liftoff on departure (70 to 75 mph), the right wing struck a deer. The airplane veered right, and the pilot was unable to regain control. The airplane impacted the airport's perimeter fence. Both wings were damaged, the empennage was nearly separated from the fuselage, and the empennage was broken at two locations. The sun had set approximately 40 minutes before the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was performing touch-and-go landings on runway 01. Following the third landing, right at liftoff on departure (70 to 75 mph), the right wing struck a deer. The airplane veered right, and the pilot was unable to regain control. The airplane impacted the airport's perimeter fence. Both wings were damaged, the empennage was nearly separated from the fuselage, and the empennage was broken at two locations. The sun had set approximately 40 minutes before the accident.