united airlines plane strikes coyote during takeoff at oʼhare airport
In a rare and surprising incident at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, a United Airlines jet collided with a coyote during its takeoff roll. This event not only highlighted the unpredictable risks posed by wildlife near high‑traffic aviation hubs but also underscored the importance of robust wildlife management and emergency preparedness protocols.
The Incident
What Happened?
On the morning of Sunday, March 17, 2024, United Airlines Flight UA 934 departed from runway 27L at O’Hare Airport, bound for Phoenix, Arizona. As the aircraft accelerated toward takeoff speed, a black‑eyed coyote leapt onto the centerline, immediately striking the right main landing gear. The impact deformed the wheel assembly and caused a brief loss of directional control. The crew promptly reduced thrust, feathered the remaining engines, and brought the jet to a halt on the runway. Passengers and crew were safe; no injuries were reported.
Key moment: The coyote’s sudden appearance forced the pilots to execute a rapid emergency stop, illustrating how even a single animal can disrupt an entire flight’s departure.
Aircraft and Civilian Impact
- Airplane model: Boeing 737‑800
- Crew: 3 (pilot, first officer, flight engineer)
- Passengers: 152 (all safely onboard)
- Ground crew: 12 (addressing debris and wildlife containment)
The airport’s Tactical Aircraft Recovery team boarded the aircraft within minutes to assess the gear damage. The FAA’s Inspection Report confirmed only cosmetic damage to the wheel and no compromise to the overall structural integrity of the aircraft.
Immediate Response
- Runway closure: Both 27L and 27R were closed momentarily to allow wildlife containment crews to secure the area.
- Wildlife rescue: O’Hare’s Certified Wildlife Removal Specialists captured the coyote unharmed and relocated it to a wildlife reserve.
- Pilot briefing: The flight crew received a post‑incident debriefing, emphasizing the importance of volatile runway wildlife monitoring.
Why Wildlife Strikes Airports?
Common Threats Near Runways
| Threat | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Coyotes | Opportunistic predators, often seen in suburban airspaces | Medium |
| Deer | May cross runways; can cause severe damage | Low |
| Birds | Mass flocks can impact aircraft, especially during takeoff | High |
| Insects | Can impair aircraft sensors | Low |
The Role of Coyotes in Chicago
- Roaming patterns: As O’Hare sits within the suburban fringe of Chicago, coyotes easily access the airport’s periphery.
- Population growth: Predicted to increase by 15% over the next decade, raising collision probability.
Wildlife Management Strategies
- Routine Patrols: Ground teams perform systematic runway inspections.
- Habitat Modification: Remove vegetation that attracts rodents, which are prey for coyotes.
- Deterrent Systems: Use ultrasonic devices or motion‑triggered lights to keep predators at bay.
Safety Measures and Industry Practices
Pre‑Flight Checks
- Runway Inspections: Pilots visually confirm any obstructions during the standard pre‑check.
- Weather Reports: Updated to include “wildlife activity alert” if recommended by local authorities.
Airport Wildlife Control Programs
- FAA Standards: The FAA’s Wildlife Hazard Management Standard (FAA Order 7400.2F) mandates that airports implement at least a “Standard” management system.
- O’Hare Protocols: The airport employs a certified wildlife control team that conducts daily inspections and monitors deer, raccoon, and coyote activity.
Passenger Information and Training
- Safety Briefings: Flight attendants explain wildlife protocols for passengers.
- In‑flight Announcements: Post‑incident communication includes reassurance that “airport wildlife restrictions are strictly enforced.”
Practical Tips for Travelers
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| During boarding, you spot an animal on the airside | Alert a flight attendant immediately. |
| You experience an unexpected takeoff delay | Listen to crew instructions; the delay could be due to ground wildlife checks. |
| Flight faced a wildlife incident before your departure | Note that airlines often adjust Flight Level and route to circumvent hotspots; no major safety concerns for passengers. |
Lessons Learned & Future Prevention
Regulatory Responses
- FAA Recommendations: Enhanced monitoring of high‑risk wildlife corridors around major airports.
- United Airlines Actions: Implemented a “Wildlife Incident Response Task Force” to review incident records and refine prevention strategies.
Technology Solutions
- Ground‑Based Radar: Detects large animals approaching runways.
- GPS‑Enabled Radar Systems: Provide real‑time data to pilots and ground staff.
Community Involvement
- Local Wildlife Groups: Partner with the airport for educational outreach.
- Neighborhood Watch: Residents report wildlife sightings near perimeter fencing.
Comparison Table: Wildlife Incident Management Approaches
| Airline / Airport | Wildlife Management Standard | Recent Incident? | Response Time (min) | Key Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines – O’Hare | Standard (FAA Order 7400.2F) | Yes (2024) | 4 | Rapid wildlife capture, runway closure. |
| Southwest Airlines – Dallas | Gold | No | N/A | Advanced radar, extensive habitat management. |
| Alaska Airlines – Anchorage | Standard | Yes (2023) | 6 | Ground crew engagement, delayed departure. |
| Local Municipal Airport – Wichita | Bronze | Yes (2022) | 12 | Basic signage, no systematic monitoring. |
This table highlights how elevated standards (Gold) correlate with fewer incidents and quicker response times.
Credible Sources
- Associated Press (AP) – “Coyote Strikes United Flight on Takeoff at O’Hare.” March 17, 2024.
- Chicago Tribune – “Wildlife at O’Hare: Managing Coyotes Near Runways.” March 18, 2024.
- FAA Order 7400.2F – Wildlife Hazard Management for Aviation Operations.
- United Airlines Press Release – “United Responds to O’Hare Wildlife Incident.” March 19, 2024.
- O’Hare International Airport Wildlife Control Program Report – January 2024.
