Incident Summary
An aircraft experienced a deer strike during an aborted takeoff conducted at early dawn. The pilots reported seeing five deer on the north side of the runway during the takeoff roll. They initiated an aborted takeoff, but during the rollout, at a speed of 60 knots, a deer located on the south side of the runway ran into the aircraft's path, resulting in a collision.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, he and the second pilot observed five deer on the north side of the runway as they began the takeoff roll. They decided to abort the takeoff. However, during the deceleration phase, a deer that had been on the south side of the runway darted into the path of the aircraft. The pilot noted that the takeoff was performed at early dawn, which may have influenced visibility conditions.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft commenced its takeoff roll in early dawn conditions. Shortly after, the pilots spotted five deer on the northern side of the runway. Concerned about a possible collision, they aborted the takeoff. As the aircraft slowed, a sixth deer, which had been on the southern side, ran across the runway and was struck by the aircraft. The collision occurred when the aircraft was traveling at approximately 60 knots.