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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 3, 1996 · Cessna 210 · N2586S

Marshall, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Marshall, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 210
Tail Number
N2586S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA124

The pilot reported that as the airplane was taking off, a deer hit the left side of the empennage, causing a violent yaw to the left, but the airplane continued to fly. Passengers in the rear seat used a flashlight to inspect the damage. They discovered that the left horizontal stabilizer, elevator and empennage were damaged. The pilot was concerned about tail flutter and possible stalling of the airplane. He determined that he would maintain 100 knots and continue in the same direction to the nearest airport, where he could make a straight-in landing, and emergency services were available. An uneventful landing was made.

NTSB Probable Cause

A deer that wandered onto the runway. Darkness was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On April 2, 1996, at 2130 eastern standard time, a Cessna 210 sustained substantial damage after gaining 10 to 15 feet of altitude during takeoff when it was struck by a deer. The private pilot and the three passengers were not injured. The pilot elected to continue the flight to Pontiac, Michigan, where he performed an emergency landing. The 14 CFR 91 flight was departing Brooks Field Airport, Marshall, Michigan, en route to New Hudson, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that during takeoff a deer hit the airplane on the left side of the empennage, causing a violent yaw to the left. He thought at first that the deer had hit the left landing gear. The passengers in the rear seat used a flashlight to inspect the damage to the aircraft. It was discovered that the left horizontal stabilizer, elevator and empennage were damaged. The pilot reported that he was concerned about tail flutter and stalling the airplane. He determined that he would maintain 100 knots per hour and continue in the same direction to the nearest airport where he could make a straight in landing, and where there were emergency services at the field. He continued on to Pontiac, Michigan, and maintained 100 knots during landing and made an uneventful landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:30 EST
Nearest AirportBrooks Field (0nm)
Runway10
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 210
Tail NumberN2586S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 27 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data