GATES LEARJET CORP. 35A
Grosse Ile, MI — June 22, 2015
Event Information
| Date | June 22, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA15CA163 |
| Event ID | 20150707X73857 |
| Location | Grosse Ile, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.09639, -83.16000 |
| Airport | GROSSE ILE MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | GATES LEARJET CORP. |
| Model | 35A |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 4 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The airplane's collision with a deer on the unfenced runway during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident is the airport's failure to establish a continuous fence between the runway and the nature conservancy.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, while accelerating through 130 knots, a "faint bump" was felt. The flight crew continued the takeoff and experienced difficulty controlling the airplane, but were able to stabilize the airplane in flight. The flight crew reported that there were no annunciations or warnings on the flight deck, but they were able to identify damage to the leading edge of the right wing.
The flight crew diverted to an alternate airport and landed without incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Following the accident, a deer was found on the runway at the departure airport. The departure airport perimeter is partially fenced and co-exists on an island with a nature conservancy.
The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation prior to hitting the deer.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.