CEN13CA031

Factual narrative

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, two deer ran out onto the runway. The airplane struck one deer with the propeller and the second deer with the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and taxied back to the ramp without further incident. The empennage was twisted and partially separated at the aft bulkhead and the right horizontal stabilizer was crushed aft and bent up. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the impact. According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, two deer ran out onto the runway. The propeller struck one deer and the second deer was struck by the right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot was able to maintain control of the airplane and taxied back to the ramp without further incident. The empennage was twisted and partially separated at the aft bulkhead and the right horizontal stabilizer was crushed aft and bent up. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane before the impact. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C