The pilot observed two deer crossing the runway from left to right just after lifting off during the night takeoff. One deer was in front of him and the other was to the left of his path. He pulled back on the yoke in an attempt to avoid the deer, at which time he heard a loud “bang.” The pilot believes he missed the deer he observed and contacted a third deer he did not see. The pilot continued the flight to his destination and made an uneventful landing. The injured deer was located at the departure airport. The airplanes right horizontal stabilizer and elevator sustained substantial damage.
October 1, 2010, Sparta, Mich., Cessna 182Q
The pilot observed two deer crossing the runway from left to right just after lifting off during the night takeoff. One deer was in front of him and the other was to the left of his path. He pulled back on the yoke in an attempt to avoid the deer, at which time he heard a loud "bang."
Key Takeaways:
- During a night takeoff, a pilot attempting to avoid two observed deer believes he struck a third, unseen deer.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
- An injured deer was located at the departure airport, while the pilot continued the flight and landed uneventfully at his destination.
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