What happened
On September 4, 2024, at approximately 19:30 EDT, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N512AF, was conducting a Part 91 instructional flight at Somerset Airport (SMQ) in Somerville, New Jersey.
During a practice landing, the flight instructor observed deer on the runway and initiated a go-around procedure. During the subsequent climb, the engine experienced a loss of power. The aircraft was unable to maintain its altitude and struck trees.
The accident resulted in one minor injury to the student pilot, while the flight instructor was not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.