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Casualties unknown

Pilot lifts off early to avoid dog, strikes trees (N98542)

Waldoboro, ME, US

On November 25, 1994, a Piper J3C (registration N98542) was involved in an aviation accident near Waldoboro, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to lift off prematurely to avoid striking a dog, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempted to take off but lifted prematurely to avoid a dog running in front of the aircraft, resulting in a collision with trees at the end of the runway.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, a dog ran directly in front of the aircraft. The pilot stated that he did not get properly lined up for takeoff because of the animal chasing the plane. As the aircraft accelerated and neared the end of the runway, the right wing tip struck a tree. According to an FAA inspector, the pilot lifted off prematurely specifically to avoid hitting his dog.

The investigation

An FAA inspector examined the circumstances surrounding the incident. The inspector confirmed that during the takeoff roll, the pilot's dog ran in front of the airplane. This action caused the pilot to initiate lift-off before reaching the appropriate speed or altitude for a safe departure.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to lift off prematurely to avoid striking a dog, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02653. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.