A United Airlines flight taking off from Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Sunday collided with a coyote on the runway. The unexpected incident, which occurred at around 10:45 a.m., involved a Boeing 737 MAX 9 headed to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The plane was carrying 167 passengers and six crew members when its landing gear struck the wild animal that had wandered onto the runway. Initially reported as a bird strike, United Airlines later confirmed that the collision involved a coyote.
Immediate Actions Taken
Following the impact, the flight crew decided to safely return the plane to Chicago O’Hare to inspect for potential damage. The airline released a statement confirming the precautionary measures taken, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew onboard.
Passengers from the affected flight were accommodated on a later flight, avoiding significant disruptions to their travel plans.
Coyotes: A Growing Concern at Airports
While coyote strikes on aircraft are relatively rare, they are not unheard of. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report shows that between 1990 and 2022, there were 824 reported coyote strikes involving civil aircraft in the United States. Of these incidents, 66 resulted in damage to the aircraft, making coyotes one of the most dangerous carnivores to planes. Skunks rank as the second most problematic wildlife in such cases.
The presence of coyotes and other wildlife on airport runways has raised concerns about aviation safety. Airports like Chicago O’Hare, which spans a large area with open land, often face challenges in preventing wildlife from accessing runways.
Not the First Coyote Sighting in Chicago This Week
Interestingly, this was not the only coyote-related incident in Chicago that week. On Monday morning, customers at an Aldi store in the Humboldt Park neighborhood were stunned when a coyote was spotted inside the store.
The gray coyote darted around the refrigerated section, causing a commotion before animal control officers arrived. The animal was safely captured at around 10 a.m.
Animal Control Responds
According to Chicago Animal Control and Care, the coyote appeared uninjured. The animal was transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation for a thorough health assessment. If deemed healthy, it will be released back into the wild.
“The coyote is currently at our facility awaiting transfer to our wildlife rehabilitation partner, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation,” officials stated. “The coyote appears uninjured, but Flint Creek will conduct an assessment to confirm its health before releasing it back into the wild.”
Wildlife Management at Airports
The incident at Chicago O’Hare highlights the importance of effective wildlife management at airports. Authorities often use various measures, including fencing, habitat management, and wildlife patrols, to minimize the risk of animal intrusions.
However, incidents like this show that there is still work to be done to ensure both aviation safety and the protection of wildlife. The FAA continues to work closely with airports to develop strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Passengers Praise Airline’s Quick Response
Passengers onboard the flight commended United Airlines for their swift and professional response to the situation. Ensuring the safety and comfort of those affected, the airline demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing passenger safety.
As the investigation into the runway incident continues, experts emphasize the importance of vigilance and innovative solutions to mitigate wildlife risks at airports.
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