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September 1, 2003 · Piper PA-28-140 · N3542K

Murfreesboro, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Murfreesboro, TN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N3542K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03CA135

During take off at approximately 70 knots a deer charged the airplane. The power was reduced to idle and the deer struck the airplane. The airplane veered off the runway into the grass. Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the right front engine cowling, and bending of the propeller. The right side of the firewall was buckled.

NTSB Probable Cause

An on-ground collision with an animal (deer) during an attempted takeoff. .

Full Narrative

On August 31, 2003, at 1944 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N3542K, registered to Max Air Inc., and operated by a certified flight instructor (CFI) collided with a deer during takeoff roll on runway 18 at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the CFI and private pilot were not injured. The local flight originated from Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at 1942, on August 31, 2003. According to the flight instructor during take off at approximately 70 knots a deer charged the airplane. The power was reduced to idle and the deer struck the airplane. The airplane veered off the runway into the grass. The airplane came to rest on a 355-degree magnetic heading. Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the right front engine cowling, and bending of the propeller. The right side of the firewall was buckled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:44 CDT
Nearest AirportMurfreesboro Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length3898 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN3542K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 19 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind160° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data