Probable cause
A loss of control and subsequent runway excursion while attempting to avoid a collision with a deer on takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting to depart from the runway when a deer suddenly began approaching the runway from the left. He attempted to steer the airplane left to avoid the deer as it crossed, and in the process, the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane as it rolled and struck an embankment and collapsed the main landing gear, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA412 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Luray, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Luray Caverns (LUA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N436DC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1956
- 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.