Accident Details
Date
Monday, August 25, 2014
NTSB Number
ERA14CA412
Location
Luray, VA
Event ID
20140829X35637
Coordinates
38.666942, -78.500556
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2
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
Registration
N436DC
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
8807
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
HEINZ KENNETH P
Address
851 TENTH LEGION RD
Status
Deregistered
City
BROADWAY
State / Zip Code
VA 22815-3409
Country
United States
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