On October 21, 2000, a Beech A36 (registration N6682Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Quincy, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the evasive maneuver not possible by the pilot and the deer on the runway. A factor was the dark night. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go landing, the right wing of an airplane struck a deer as the pilot rotated for takeoff on Runway 22. The pilot reported good visibility but a dark night with no moonlight.
Accident Details
The airplane was damaged when the right wing struck a deer during the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go maneuver. The incident occurred on Runway 22. According to the pilot, an adult buck deer ran into the aircraft's path from the north side of the runway, striking the outboard right wing just as rotation was initiated.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated: "...an adult buck deer ran into our line of travel from the north side of the runway at approximately one third the distance of RWY 22 striking our outboard right wing just as I was rotating for takeoff. Our approximate speed at time of impact was 75 kts. Visibility was good, and the sky was clear, however there was no moonlight-making it a very dark night."
No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.