Probable cause
The airplane’s collision with a deer during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the right main landing gear struck a deer during takeoff. The pilot reported that the airplane had cleared the deer "until it bounded up and hit the right wheel." The pilot continued the initial climb and communicated with observers on the ground. He flew near the observers, and they confirmed that the landing gear was extended and appeared undamaged. However, the pilot flew to a maintenance facility with the landing gear extended and landed to assess the damage.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA349 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 1, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Martinsville, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Blue Ridge (MTV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech F33A
- N-number
- N5554X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1990
- 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.