Probable cause
A collision with a deer during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a nighttime takeoff, the airplane struck a deer on the runway, which severed the left main landing gear. Subsequently, the left main landing gear impacted the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot continued the takeoff, declared an emergency, and flew to a suitable airport before they landed uneventfully.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA244 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeport, California
- Nearest airport
- Sacramento Intl (SMF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-28R-200
- N-number
- N4443X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.