Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Deer During Night Takeoff, Nose Gear Collapses on Landing (N130SV)

New Market, VA, US

On October 16, 2004, a Beech A23 (registration N130SV) was involved in an aviation accident near New Market, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A collision with a deer during the takeoff roll. A factor in the accident was the night. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a night takeoff, the left stabilator of an airplane struck a deer, causing part of the stabilator to separate. The pilot continued the takeoff, circled, and landed, but the nose gear collapsed on landing.

Incident Overview

During a night takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the airplane and the left stabilator struck a deer. The impact caused a portion of the left stabilator to separate from the aircraft. Despite the damage, the pilot continued the takeoff.

Post-Takeoff Actions

After the collision, the pilot circled the airport and executed an emergency landing on the same runway from which the takeoff was initiated.

Landing and Outcome

During the landing, the nose gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently came to rest in a grassy area beyond the end of the runway.

Investigation

The incident occurred at night. The specific aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, and number of occupants were not specified in the source. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the source. The investigation is ongoing, but no probable cause has been stated at this time.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Oct 2004 Beech A23 accident near New Market, VA?

During a night takeoff, the left stabilator of an airplane struck a deer, causing part of the stabilator to separate. The pilot continued the takeoff, circled, and landed, but the nose gear collapsed on landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Oct 2004 involved a Beech A23, registration N130SV, at New Market, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A collision with a deer during the takeoff roll. A factor in the accident was the night.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041105X01771. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.