The pilot reported that, during takeoff at the airport in Harrisonville, Missouri, he heard a “bang,” and “it felt as though the airplane hit a brick wall.”
He added that, during the climb, he examined the engine instruments, which appeared normal.
About 800′ above ground level, he looked out the left window and observed that the fixed left main landing gear was “oddly positioned up next to the seat/door.”
He contacted air traffic control, declared an emergency, and performed a “gear up” landing at the destination airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left stabilizer.
It is likely the airplane hit a deer on the runway.
After the accident, the following was added to the Airport Facility Directory: “Deer and other wildlife on and in vicinity of airport.
Probable cause: A collision with a deer on the runway during the takeoff roll.
NTSB Identification: GAA17CA532
This September 2017 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
My first reaction is to say “Oh Deer”. But the pilot should be happy it wasn’t a moose. When landing at an airport in Maine once at night I was warned to beware of moose on the runway. Apparently they like the warmth of the asphalt beneath they hoofs at night. How does one know a moose is there? Their eyes reflect the landing light. So if you see a reflector don’t land, if its close pray its a deer.
I’m sure adding, “Deer and other wildlife on or in vicinity of airport”, to the AFD will solve the problem.
Deer are stupid and about 100,000 car/deer collision happen every year. A 100 pound and some 250 pound deer like well mowed green grass at an airport. Deer can learn that some places are dangerous IF they are hunted.