On June 30, 2001, a Cessna 152 (registration N25846) operated by Warrenton-fauquier Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Warrenton, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision with a deer during the takeoff phase, which resulted in structural damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and loss of the left elevator. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot executed a safe emergency landing after a deer struck the aircraft during a touch-and-go maneuver, damaging the horizontal stabilizer.
What happened
The incident occurred during a training flight involving a touch-and-go maneuver. As the student pilot rotated the aircraft for takeoff, a deer collided with the left side of the airplane. The impact struck the left horizontal stabilizer, causing it to buckle. Consequently, the left elevator was torn off from its mounting.
Despite the significant structural damage to the control surfaces, the student pilot maintained control of the aircraft. The pilot continued the takeoff climb and subsequently performed an emergency landing in a field adjacent to the airport. The landing was reported as uneventful, with no further damage or injuries sustained during the ground contact.
Probable cause
The collision with a deer during the takeoff phase, which resulted in structural damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and loss of the left elevator.
What happened in the 30 Jun 2001 Cessna 152 accident near Warrenton, VA?
A student pilot executed a safe emergency landing after a deer struck the aircraft during a touch-and-go maneuver, damaging the horizontal stabilizer.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Jun 2001 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25846, operated by Warrenton-fauquier Flight Center, at Warrenton, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The collision with a deer during the takeoff phase, which resulted in structural damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and loss of the left elevator.
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