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

Casualties unknown • Bogalusa, LA, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

After a pre-flight inspection, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 36. During the takeoff roll at 70 knots, the pilot began rotation. At 75 knots, the nose wheel lifted off the runway, and from the west, a deer crossed in front of the airplane. The airplane's left wing struck the deer, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The pilot then taxied the airplane back to the flight line. The airport did not have a perimeter fence around it that would prevent deer from entering the runway environment.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-04-23 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Bogalusa, LA?

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

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-04-23 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8108V, at Bogalusa, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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.

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