GAA16CA369

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he noticed movement from the left as a deer ran onto the runway. He further reported that he applied right rudder to avoid hitting the deer, but the deer impacted the airplane between the left pilot's door and the horizontal stabilizer causing the airplane to veer to the left. The pilot stated that he attempted to recover by applying maximum right brake and right rudder, however it was ineffective and the airplane exited the runway to the left, ground looped, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, empennage and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he noticed movement from the left as a deer ran onto the runway. He further reported that he applied right rudder to avoid hitting the deer, but the deer impacted the airplane between the left pilot's door and the horizontal stabilizer causing the airplane to veer to the left. The pilot stated that he attempted to recover by applying maximum right brake and right rudder, however it was ineffective and the airplane exited the runway to the left, ground looped, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, empennage and fuselage.  The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on operation - C
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot