Aero Commander 695 N51DM accident near Mount Holly, New Jersey

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff, just as the airplane became airborne, a deer struck the right side of the fuselage. The pilot determined that there would not be sufficient runway remaining to land, so he quickly performed a "controllability test," which indicated that pitch control was abnormal. He determined that he was able to control the airplane enough to enter the traffic pattern and attempt a landing. The airplane landed hard, and the pilot then initiated reverse thrust and taxied to the ramp without further incident.

The pilot reported that he never saw the deer, but seconds before impact, the copilot saw the deer on the right side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator and horizontal stabilizer.

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

The Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory page for the airport stated, in part, the following:

"Deer on and [in vicinity of airport]."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA264 for the full record.