Summary
On June 01, 2018, a Beech F33A (N5554X) was involved in an incident near Martinsville, 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: The airplane’s collision with a deer during takeoff.
According to the pilot, the right main landing gear struck a deer during takeoff. The pilot reported that the airplane had cleared the deer, "until it bounded up and hit the right wheel." The pilot continued the initial climb and communicated with observers on the ground. He flew near the observers and they confirmed that the landing gear was extended and appeared undamaged. However, the pilot flew to a maintenance facility with the landing gear extended and landed to assess the damage.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA349. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5554X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The airplane’s collision with a deer during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot, the right main landing gear struck a deer during takeoff. The pilot reported that the airplane had cleared the deer, "until it bounded up and hit the right wheel." The pilot continued the initial climb and communicated with observers on the ground. He flew near the observers and they confirmed that the landing gear was extended and appeared undamaged. However, the pilot flew to a maintenance facility with the landing gear extended and landed to assess the damage.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA349