Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Culpeper, VA — 2023-07-15

Final reportERA23LA368
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Date
2023-07-15
Location
Culpeper, VA, USA
Airport
CJR
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N1809H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane’s impact with a deer while performing a takeoff at night.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and student pilot completed several night landings without anomaly. Then, during the next takeoff, the student pilot applied engine power and the airplane accelerated down the runway. Just after reaching 50 knots, they noticed two deer standing in the center of the runway and called to abort the takeoff. They reduced the engine power and applied the brakes, but they were unable to stop before striking one of the deer with the left wing, which resulted in substantial damaged to the wing. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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