Casualties unknown

2002-04-23: Piper PA-32R-301T (N8108V) — Bogalusa, LA

Bogalusa, LA, US

On April 23, 2002, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N8108V) was involved in an aviation accident near Bogalusa, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a deer that ran in front of the airplane during the takeoff phase. A contributing factor was the lack of an airport perimeter fence to prevent deer from entering the runway environment. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on runway 36, a pilot rotating at 70 knots struck a deer with the left wing at 75 knots, aborting the takeoff. The airport lacked a perimeter fence.

Event Description

After completing a pre-flight inspection, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 36. During the takeoff roll, when the airplane reached 70 knots, the pilot initiated rotation. At 75 knots, the nose wheel lifted off the runway. At that moment, a deer crossed in front of the airplane from the west. The airplane's left wing struck the deer. The pilot aborted the takeoff.

Post-Event Actions

Following the strike, the pilot taxied the airplane back to the flight line.

Airport Information

The airport did not have a perimeter fence that would prevent deer from entering the runway environment.

Additional Context

The event occurred during the takeoff phase on runway 36. The airplane was at rotation speed when the deer entered the runway area. The pilot's decision to abort the takeoff was made after the left wing impacted the deer. The lack of a perimeter fence at the airport allowed wildlife to access the runway environment.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020423X00573. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.