The pilot reported that, during takeoff at the airport in Mount Holly, N.J., right as the Aero Commander 695 became airborne, a deer hit the fuselage on the right side.
He determined they would not have sufficient runway remaining to land, so he quickly performed a “controllability test,” which indicated that pitch control was abnormal. He determined that he was able to control the airplane enough to enter the traffic pattern and attempt a landing. The airplane landed hard. The pilot initiated reverse thrust and taxied to the ramp without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer.
The pilot reported that he never saw the deer, but seconds before impact, the copilot saw the deer on the right side of the runway.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The FAA Airport Facility Directory page for the accident airport, in part, stated: “Deer on and in vicinity of airport.”
Probable Cause: The airplane’s impact with a deer on the runway during takeoff.
An excellent example of “continue to fly the plane” despite stress of unknown impact/startle. This pilot assessed the situation and made the best of a bad situation (and lived)!
This May 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Reminds me of Bill Engvall’s “Here’s Your Sign” routine!
I agree! Free shammies and bambi burgers! At my home field, KTSP, we have California Condors. Hit one if those and the price of repairing your airplane will seem like a bargain compared to what the Gov’t. Will have in mind for you…
Damage was substantial and the controllability issues with a wiped-out stabilizer were likely ‘understated’. Cheers to the crew who had to make some very difficult decisions at lift-off and remained calm and focused in the moment.
I am curious about the airport’s responsibility for monitoring wildlife … 4-legged and heavy-winged… within the airfield-fence boundaries?
NOTE.
The title of this article was pretty funny, when You think about it… “Deer hits Aero Commander” ha-ha-ha-ha…
GAN probably should have considered the more conventional title “Aero Commander Hits Deer”.
Well, I live in Texas and have had three encounters where the deer actually hit my vehicle, not the other way around. They are incredibly stupid creatures.
I recall t by at 100,000 deer run into cars every year in USA. Deer are stupid. Humans have removed predators that eat deer so there a millions of deer.
Even if pilot’s taxi or fly a low pass deer will bolt onto the runway.
Airports should shoot deer and tan the hide and give the meat to needy.
I tend to agree Jim. The FBO was trying to deal with a large geese population during migration season and it appears that some have decided NW Arkansas isn’t a bad place to live now. Heaven forbid we kill the dang things because there just aren’t enough of them around – yeah, right.