A United Airlines flight destined for Phoenix experienced an unexpected diversion back to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on January 12th after colliding with a coyote during its initial ascent. A spokesperson for United Airlines confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital, stating that the Boeing 737 MAX 9, carrying 167 passengers and six crew members, returned to O'Hare for a thorough inspection following the impact with the animal. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among those on board.
The airline quickly arranged for a replacement aircraft to transport the passengers to their final destination in Phoenix later that afternoon. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of wildlife strikes at airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported over 17,200 such incidents across U.S. airports in 2023. From 1990 to 2023, the FAA documented approximately 310,000 collisions between aircraft and animals, with birds being the most frequent culprits.
This incident isn't isolated. In November, an American Airlines flight was also diverted to O'Hare after a bird strike. Similarly, the pilots managed a safe landing without any harm to passengers or crew.
The recent increase in coyote sightings in Chicago this winter, particularly during mating season, adds another layer of complexity to this issue. Local news outlets have reported instances of coyotes venturing into urban areas, including a recent incident where one entered a grocery store. Authorities advise residents to keep pets leashed and ensure secure fencing to mitigate potential encounters.
