Incident Overview
The pilot in command (PIC) reported that during acceleration for takeoff, approximately at V1 (takeoff decision speed), the airplane collided with an elk. Following the collision, the pilot applied wheel brakes and deployed the airplane's drag chute. Despite these efforts, the airplane continued off the departure end of the runway and came to rest in a marshy bog approximately 50 feet beyond the departure threshold.
Airport and Fencing Context
Currently, approximately 15,000 feet of the airport's perimeter is bordered with an animal control fence. The airport recently received an FAA Aviation Improvement Program (AIP) Grant that will provide funding for an additional 9,000 feet of fence. Airport officials stated that the fencing project should be completed by summer of 2003. Upon completion, game control fencing will encompass the entire airport perimeter.
Published Advisory
The U.S. Government Airport/Facilities Directory (A/FD) contains the following remarks for Astoria Regional Airport: "Herds of elk on and in the vicinity of airport..."
Official Findings
The probable cause of the incident was determined to be a collision with an elk during the takeoff roll. A factor in the incident was dark night VFR conditions.