Introduction
A non-scheduled air taxi flight experienced a wildlife strike during the departure roll at a private airstrip under night visual flight rules (VFR). The aircraft, a twin-engine airplane, was accelerating when it collided with a moose.
Event Details
According to the investigation, the airplane had reached a speed between 85 and 90 knots on the runway when the captain observed a shadow ahead and to the left of the aircraft. Immediately after, the crew felt an impact. The captain aborted the takeoff and brought the airplane to a stop on the runway. After taxiing clear, the crew discovered that a moose had been struck by the left wing during the takeoff roll.
Airport Environment
The airstrip is private and serves several air taxi operators. It is surrounded by brush and trees. A road runs parallel to the east side of the runway, and a line of trees begins approximately 100 feet east of that road. The airport property is not fenced, allowing wildlife to enter the movement area.
Aftermath
The collision resulted in damage to the left wing tip and the left wing spar. No further details were provided regarding injuries or the condition of the moose.