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Casualties unknown

Pilot Avoids Deer Collision During Takeoff, Aircraft Nosed Over (N35594)

Mallards Ldg, GA, US

On April 7, 1998, a Cessna 172I (registration N35594) was involved in an aviation accident near Mallards Ldg, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite the presence of wildlife on the runway, which led to a loss of control during evasive maneuvering. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff rotation, the pilot maneuvered to avoid a deer crossing the runway, resulting in the main gear striking a berm and the aircraft nosing over inverted off the runway side.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a takeoff operation when the incident occurred during the initial phase of departure. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway and began the rotation for liftoff, the pilot noticed a deer moving across the flight path from right to left. In an immediate effort to prevent a collision with the animal, the pilot applied control inputs consisting of left rudder and left aileron.

These evasive maneuvers caused the main landing gear to impact a dirt mound, or berm, located just off the side of the runway. The force of this impact resulted in the airplane nosing over and coming to rest in an inverted position outside the paved surface.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite the presence of wildlife on the runway, which led to a loss of control during evasive maneuvering.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Apr 1998 Cessna 172I accident near Mallards Ldg, GA?

During takeoff rotation, the pilot maneuvered to avoid a deer crossing the runway, resulting in the main gear striking a berm and the aircraft nosing over inverted off the runway side.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172I, registration N35594, at Mallards Ldg, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite the presence of wildlife on the runway, which led to a loss of control during evasive maneuvering.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09912. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.