Overview
- The FAA said a Cessna Citation struck multiple deer during takeoff around 7:55 p.m. on Feb. 10 at North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport before diverting to Palm Beach International Airport.
- WPBF dispatch audio described minor damage and a tow off the airfield, with first responders staged and no injuries reported.
- Aviation Safety Network reported seven people were on board and noted the aircraft sustained minor damage.
- The FAA has launched an investigation, and officials have not specified how many deer were involved.
- FAA wildlife-strike data show terrestrial mammals, primarily white-tailed deer, account for about 40% of damaging strikes since 1990, a risk local pilot Michael Leighton characterized as extremely rare.