VFR MASTERY

This month's scenario

Look Out, Dear

You and your spouse are flying your V35 Bonanza into the private strip at Windsock Village, NH to meet another couple who are based there. After an overnight stay you’ll all continue to Owl’s Head, ME for the weekend. On arrival, a miscommunication involving the words “gear” and “deer” leads to a late go-around … and a direct hit on a deer. You climb away safely, but you’re unsure what damage, if any, was done to the prop, nose gear, or engine. The couple on the ground confirm the deer strike, but say that the runway is clear, and that there’s no obvious damage to your (still down) landing gear. As the sun sets, you weigh your options: try to land here again, or head elsewhere for bigger runways and better services.