United Plane Collides with Coyote on Runway During Takeoff at Chicago O'Hare Airport

Mar. 15, 2025

United Airlines plane (left) and a stock image of a coyote (right).Photo:Shutterstock / Ryan Fletcher; Gerald and Buff Corsi/Focus on Nature/Getty

Shutterstock / Ryan Fletcher; Gerald and Buff Corsi/Focus on Nature/Getty

A United Airlines plane struck a coyote during takeoff at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

The Boeing 737 MAX 9 was carrying 167 passengers and six crew members when its landing gear struck the wild animal, which was on the runway, on Sunday, Jan. 12, the airline confirmed to PEOPLE.

The plane “safely returned to Chicago O’Hare International Airport to examine the aircraft,” United said in a statement.

United Airlines plane taking off at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty

Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty

The plane was headed for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona and took off at around 10:45 a.m. local time when the incident occurred.

According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration, crew members initially “reported a bird strike on departure.” The FAA confirmed to PEOPLE that they are investigating the incident.

Coyote found in Aldi supermarket.Chicago Animal Care & Control

Chicago Animal Care & Control

This is not the first coyote-related incident the city has seen this week.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“During this time, coyotes are more active and may be seen more frequently, even during daylight hours. Coyotes are typically shy and avoid humans, but it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets and community safe,” read the post.

The department also advised, “If you see a coyote, make yourself big, loud, and back away slowly—never run.”

source: people.com