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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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November 16, 2001 · Piper PA-28-235 · N9373W

Coatesville, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 16, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Coatesville, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N9373W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD02LA016

The student pilot initiated the takeoff, and rotated the airplane about 70 knots. During the rotation, the flight instructor noticed a "blur" on the left side of the airplane, and felt an impact. He took control of the airplane, reduced the power, and landed on the remaining runway. After exiting the airplane, the pilots observed a deceased deer near the runway, and deer fur was observed on one propeller blade.

NTSB Probable Cause

Collision with a deer during the takeoff roll.

Full Narrative

On November 15, 2001, at 2200 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-235, N9373W, was substantially damaged when it collided with a deer during takeoff, at the Chester County Airport (40N), Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The certified flight instructor (CFI), student pilot, and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the flight instructor, he taxied the airplane to runway 29 for takeoff. The student pilot then took the controls and initiated the takeoff roll. As the airplane reached about 70 knots, the student pilot pulled back on the control yoke to rotate the airplane. The flight instructor then noticed a "blur" on the left side of the airplane, and felt an impact. He took over the flight controls, reduced the power to idle, and landed on the remaining runway. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector performed an examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, the airplane sustained damage to the left wing spar, and the left fuel tank was ruptured. Additionally, a deceased deer was found near the runway, and deer fur was observed on one propeller blade. Weather at Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, about 22 miles from 40N, at 2153, included calm wind and 10 miles visibility.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:00 EST
Nearest AirportChester County Airport (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length5400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN9373W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 20 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 46
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data