Pilot Debrief

GATES LEARJET CORP. 35A near Grosse Ile, MI — 2015-06-22

Final reportGAA15CA163
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Date
2015-06-22
Location
Grosse Ile, MI, USA
Airport
ONZ
Aircraft
GATES LEARJET CORP. 35A
Registration
N640BA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane's collision with a deer on the unfenced runway during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident is the airport's failure to establish a continuous fence between the runway and the nature conservancy.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, while accelerating through 130 knots, a "faint bump" was felt. The flight crew continued the takeoff and experienced difficulty controlling the airplane, but were able to stabilize the airplane in flight. The flight crew reported that there were no annunciations or warnings on the flight deck, but they were able to identify damage to the leading edge of the right wing. The flight crew diverted to an alternate airport and landed without incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Following the accident, a deer was found on the runway at the departure airport. The departure airport perimeter is partially fenced and co-exists on an island with a nature conservancy. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation prior to hitting the deer.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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