Pilot Debrief

STINSON 108 near Red Lodge, MT — 2016-07-08

Final reportGAA16CA369
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Date
2016-07-08
Location
Red Lodge, MT, USA
Airport
RED
Aircraft
STINSON 108
Registration
N955C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A deer running across the runway and impacting the left side of the airplane, resulting in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and a ground loop.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during takeoff he noticed movement from the left as a deer ran onto the runway. He further reported that he applied right rudder to avoid hitting the deer, but the deer impacted the airplane between the left pilot's door and the horizontal stabilizer causing the airplane to veer to the left. The pilot stated that he attempted to recover by applying maximum right brake and right rudder, however it was ineffective and the airplane exited the runway to the left, ground looped, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, empennage and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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