Probable cause
A collision with a deer on the runway during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during takeoff, he heard a "bang," and "it felt as though the airplane hit a brick wall." He added that, during the climb, he examined the engine instruments, which appeared normal. About 800 ft above ground level, he looked out the left pilot window and observed that the fixed left main landing gear was "oddly positioned up next to [the] seat/door." The pilot reported that he contacted air traffic control, declared an emergency, and performed a "gear up" landing at the destination airport.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
After the accident, the following was added to the Airport Facility Directory: "Deer and other wildlife on and in vicinity of airport." It is likely the airplane hit a deer on the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA532 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 12, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Harrisonville, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Lawrence Smith Memorial (LRY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 177
- N-number
- N34413
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- 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.