The pilot reported that, during takeoff, right as the airplane became airborne, a deer struck the fuselage on the right side. The pilot determined that they would not have sufficient runway remaining to land, so the pilot quickly performed a "controllability test", which indicated that pitch control was abnormal. He determined that he was able to control the airplane enough to enter the traffic pattern and attempt a landing. The airplane landed hard, the pilot initiated reverse thrust, and taxied to the ramp without further incident.

The pilot reported that he never observed the deer, but seconds before impact, the copilot saw the deer on the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory page for the accident airport, in part, stated:

"Deer on and [in vicinity of airport]."