No fatalities

Night Takeoff Incident: Deer Strike Damages Aircraft Landing Gear and Stabilizer (N4776E)

Crandon, WI, US

On October 25, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N4776E) was involved in an aviation accident near Crandon, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the deer that ran out onto the runway and collided with the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the night lighting conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night takeoff, a pilot observed a deer crossing the runway before another deer struck the right main landing gear. The pilot continued the flight, assessed damage, and landed safely. Inspection revealed damage to landing gear and horizontal stabilizer.

Incident Details

The pilot reported that during a night takeoff roll, one deer was seen crossing the runway. Shortly after, another deer ran onto the runway and made contact with the right main landing gear of the airplane. Following the collision, the pilot continued the takeoff and subsequently flew around the area in an effort to assess the condition of the airplane. After evaluating the situation, the pilot returned to the airport and executed an uneventful landing.

Post-Flight Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the airplane was conducted. The inspection revealed damage to the right main landing gear as well as the right horizontal stabilizer. No other damage was reported, and the airplane was able to land without further incident.

Outcome

The pilot's actions during the event allowed for a safe return and landing despite the damage sustained from the wildlife strike. The specific aircraft type, registration, and other operational details were not disclosed in the report.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 1999 Cessna 172N accident near Crandon, WI?

During a night takeoff, a pilot observed a deer crossing the runway before another deer struck the right main landing gear. The pilot continued the flight, assessed damage, and landed safely. Inspection revealed damage to landing gear and horizontal stabilizer.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Oct 1999 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 1999 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4776E, at Crandon, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the deer that ran out onto the runway and collided with the airplane. A factor associated with the accident was the night lighting conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19930. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.