# NTSB CHI00LA124: Saab-Scania SF-340B, N404XJ, Hancock, MI, April 25, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 25, 2000, 07:50 local (12:50 UTC) - Place: Hancock, MI - Coordinates: 47.130237, -88.60009 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.1302&lon=-88.6001&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 21 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 17, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 49064 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA124 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49064/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA124 ## Probable cause the deer which ran onto the runway and were subsequently struck by the airplane. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - animal(s) (cause) - aborted takeoff - performed, copilot/second pilot ## Analysis The first officer (flying pilot) reported that during the takeoff run, the captain noticed a group of about seven deer approaching the runway. The first officer aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane contacted two deer which ran onto the runway. The deer contacted the left engine/propeller which automatically shut down. The airplane then taxied to the gate without further incident. The collision occurred approximately 3,000 feet down the 6,501 foot runway just prior to the airplane reaching V1. ## Factual narrative On April 25, 2000, at 0750 eastern daylight time, a Saab SF-340B, N404XJ, operated by Mesaba Airlines as Northwest Airlink flight 3233, collided with two deer during a takeoff ground run at the Houghton Memorial Airport, Hancock, Michigan. The Captain, First Officer, Flight Attendant, and 18 passengers were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 121 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions on and IFR flight plan. The first officer (flying pilot) reported that during the takeoff run, the captain noticed a group of about seven deer approaching the runway. The first officer aborted the takeoff; however, the airplane contacted two deer which ran onto the runway. The deer contacted the left engine/propeller which automatically shut down. The airplane then taxied to the gate without further incident. The collision occurred approximately 3,000 feet down the runway which was 6,501 feet long and 150 feet wide, just prior to the airplane reaching V1. The operator reported the left engine gearbox was damaged. The engine compressor case was cracked 120 degrees around its circumference. Two propeller blades completely separated from the hub. The forward portion of the engine nacelle was twisted and the longerons which attach the nacelle to the wing were cracked. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N404XJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N404XJ-2019-05-01), registration cancelled 2019-05-01, S/N 340B404 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Saab-Scania AB (Saab) SF-340B - Registry model: [Saab-Scania SAAB 340B](https://openairdocs.org/model/saab-scania-saab-340b) (registry code 7860101) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [GE CT7-SER series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ge-ct7-ser-series) (registry code 30031, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 404 - Airframe hours: 8863 - Engines: GE CT7-9B 1750 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 121 - Operator: Lambert Leasing, Inc., doing business as Northwest Airlink - Registered owner: Mesaba Airlines - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, April 5, 2000, 119 hours before - Departed: CMX - Destination: MSP, MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: CMX, Houghton Co. Memorial, runway 31, 6,501 × 150 ft, concrete ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,543 total, 280 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 103 in the last 90 days, 41 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 110° at 4 knots - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 12 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CMX ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20000425037009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000425037009A), Apr 25, 2000: Saab 340B, Hancock, MI, No damage. (-23) During the take off roll deer were observed approaching the runway. The takeoff was aborted and the aircraft slowed during the deceleration one or two… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.