Summary
On August 25, 2014, a Cessna 140 (N436DC) was involved in an incident near Luray, VA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A loss of control and subsequent runway excursion while attempting to avoid a collision with a deer on takeoff.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting to depart from the runway when a deer suddenly began approaching the runway from the left. He attempted to steer the airplane left to avoid the deer as it crossed, and in the process, the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane as it rolled and struck an embankment and collapsed the main landing gear, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA14CA412. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N436DC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of control and subsequent runway excursion while attempting to avoid a collision with a deer on takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting to depart from the runway when a deer suddenly began approaching the runway from the left. He attempted to steer the airplane left to avoid the deer as it crossed, and in the process, the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane as it rolled and struck an embankment and collapsed the main landing gear, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA412