Probable cause
A collision with a deer during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to practice maneuvers, including several takeoffs and landings at night. The student pilot had executed a full stop landing and taxied back to the active runway for another takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the flight instructor saw three deer run onto the runway as the airplane approached rotation speed. He quickly took control, announcing "my flight controls," and aborted the takeoff by pulling the throttle to idle and applying maximum braking. Despite these efforts, the airplane collided with one of the deer, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's horizontal stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA234 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 31, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fayetteville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Fayetteville Muni (FYM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 150
- N-number
- N8536G
- 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.