FTW02LA127

After a pre-flight inspection, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 36. During the takeoff roll at 70 knots, the pilot began rotation. At 75 knots, the nose wheel lifted off the runway, and from the west, a deer crossed in front of the airplane. The airplane's left wing struck the deer, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The pilot then taxied the airplane back to the flight line. The airport did not have a perimeter fence around it that would prevent deer from entering the runway environment.

On April 23, 2002, approximately 0910 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-301T single-engine airplane, N8108V, sustained substantial damage after it struck a deer during the takeoff roll from the George R. Carr Memorial Air Field, Bogalusa, Louisiana. The commercial pilot and his pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the passenger. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that after completing a pre-flight inspection, he taxied the airplane to runway 36. During the takeoff roll at 70 knots, the pilot began rotation. At 75 knots, the nose wheel lifted off the runway, and from the west, a deer crossed in front of the airplane. The airplane's left wing struck the deer, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The pilot then taxied the airplane back to the flight line. A certified IA mechanic reported that the left wing spar, the left flap, and the left horizontal stabilizer were damaged.

The airport manager reported that the west side of the airport is wooded, and the airport does not have a perimeter fence to prevent deer and other animals from entering the airport property.