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NTSB Report

August 9, 1996 · Piper PA-32-260 · N1439T

Gaithersburg, MD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N1439T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD96LA130

During the takeoff roll, the pilot took his eyes off the runway to scan his airspeed. At about 75 to 80 kts, he began to rotate, then he heard a loud bang. The aircraft pitched up 7 to 8 degrees and the stall warning light illuminated. The pilot was able to control the aircraft and returned to the airport, where he landed without further incident. Investigation revealed the aircraft sustained substantial damage when it struck a deer.

NTSB Probable Cause

the unexpected appearance of a deer on the runway.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 9, 1996, at about 1740 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N1439T, owned and operated by Aero Industries, Inc., struck a deer during departure from Montgomery County Airpark, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The pilot and the one passenger were not injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions existed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was departing Gaithersburg with an intended destination of Richmond, Virginia, and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 135. The pilot stated that on takeoff roll at about 60 knots, (kts) or so he took his eyes from outside to inside to check his airspeed. At about 70 kts he began to put back pressure on the control yoke. At about 75 to 80 kts, the nose wheel lifted off and the weight transferred from the main gear to the wings. He said it was at this moment that he heard a loud bang and the aircraft pitched up about 7 to 8 degrees followed by a flicker of the stall warning light. He said the engine was still at full power however the aircraft felt crippled. He attempted several times to turn left but the aircraft would "buffet" so he turned right and returned to the airport without further incident. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION/DOCUMENTATION Damage was found on the right wing, right flap, top right side of the right elevator, right main fuel cell, and the right main landing gear strut.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:40 EDT
Nearest AirportGaithersburg (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length4196 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN1439T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data