Probable cause
The collision with a deer during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was the dusk light condition.
NTSB analysis
The airplane impacted a deer during the takeoff roll at dusk. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff and returned to the ramp area. The left wing, lower fuselage, propeller, and left main landing gear were damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Howell, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Livingston County Airport (OZW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Mooney M20K
- N-number
- N252EM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.