Probable cause
Collision with a deer during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the student pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings. During the second touch-and-go, as the airplane rotated for takeoff, it hit a deer. The CFI took control of the airplane, continued the takeoff, and established that there were no vibrations and that the airplane was controllable. The CFI elected to divert to a nearby airport where emergency services were available, if needed, and landed without further incident. Examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing strut and right gear mount were bent, and the right side of the fuselage was buckled.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA270 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 1, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Three Rivers, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Three Rivers Municipal Airport (KHAI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N30380
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.