Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-140 near Saluda, SC — 2014-02-21

Final reportERA14CA172
Sign in to save
Date
2014-02-21
Location
Saluda, SC, USA
Airport
6J4
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-140
Registration
N6469W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

An inadvertent encounter with a deer during the takeoff roll.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot had completed the first leg of a night cross country flight and were departing back to their home airport. During the takeoff roll, a deer ran onto the runway, colliding with the airplane's right wing. The CFI assumed control of the airplane from the student and continued the takeoff, as inadequate runway distance remained to abort. Once airborne, the CFI did not note any flight control abnormalities, and elected to continue to the destination, where he landed the airplane without incident. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps