Piper Aircraft Inc PA-28-181 N335BG accident near Tiffin, Ohio

Probable cause

The airplane’s collision with a deer on the runway during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was for her student to practice an instrument approach procedure under visual flight rules. After completion of the approach and during the landing roll at dusk, she instructed the student to retract the flaps and apply full power for a touch-and-go. As the airplane accelerated during the takeoff roll, a deer appeared from their right and impacted the airplane. The flight crew aborted the takeoff and brought the airplane to a stop. The underside of the fuselage was substantially damaged as a result of the collision.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA206 for the full record.