Probable cause
An inadvertent collision with a deer during takeoff and the airplane’s subsequent departure from the runway and impact with a tree.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that as the airplane had accelerated to lift-off speed a deer appeared directly in front of the propeller. The airplane struck the deer and veered left. The airplane's left wing was substantially damaged when it subsequently impacted a tree. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane before the deer strike.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA328 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 17, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pipe Creek, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Freedom Springs Ranch Airport (TA66)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built TAILWIND W-10
- N-number
- N625JS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.