Event Description
During a night takeoff roll in visual conditions, the pilot observed two white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) running across the runway. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to avoid the animals, but one deer struck the nose wheel. Despite the impact, the pilot decided to continue the takeoff. After orbiting the airport for approximately 1.5 hours, the aircraft landed without further incident. A postflight inspection found substantial damage to the fuselage.
Operator's Report
The operator stated that no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions affected the airframe or engine. The operator also relayed a conversation with the airport manager indicating that the deer population at the airport had increased due to hunting pressure in surrounding areas.
Airport Manager's Statement
The airport manager reported that all movement areas at the airport are enclosed by fencing described as "standard FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) specification 6 foot tall chain link fence with triple strand barbed wire at the top on standard 45 degree angle outriggers."
Related Publications
The FAA has published CERTALERT 04-16, titled "Deer Hazard to Aircraft and Deer Fencing" (December 2004). This document highlights the threat of elevated deer populations to aviation and recommends fencing options, including a 10-12 foot chain link fence with 3-strand barbed wire outriggers, or an 8-foot fence depending on local deer activity. It states that proper fencing is the best method to keep deer off aircraft movement areas and that immediate action is required to remove deer observed on or near these areas.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division published a White-Tailed Deer Fact Sheet (April 2004), noting that deer are most active around dawn and dusk, described as a crepuscular activity pattern.
Safety Recommendation
The operator recommended proactive wildlife strike management through accurate reports from airport users and a regular wildlife population control program. The operator emphasized that reporting wildlife activity is crucial for airport managers to properly assess the timing and scale of their response.