Airports are basically massive, paved ecosystems. We think of them as sterile hubs of concrete and jet fuel, but for local wildlife, a runway is just a very wide, very flat clearing. That reality turned into a messy situation recently when a United Airlines flight struck a coyote during takeoff at O’Hare International Airport. It sounds like a freak accident. Honestly, though? It’s a recurring nightmare for airport operations teams and pilots alike.
Imagine sitting in 12F. You’re bracing for that push back into your seat as the engines roar. Then, a thud. Most passengers might not even feel it, or they mistake it for a minor tire vibration. But up in the cockpit, it’s a high-stakes calculation.
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The Chaos of the Strike: United Airlines Flight Struck Coyote During Takeoff at O'Hare
The incident involved a Boeing 737-900. It was rolling down the runway, gaining the speed necessary for lift, when the animal darted out. Coyotes are smart, but they don't understand the physics of a 150,000-pound machine moving at 150 knots. When that United Airlines flight struck a coyote during takeoff at O’Hare, the pilots had a split-second decision to make. Do you high-speed abort, which risks blowing tires or overshooting the runway? Or do you take the bird—or in this case, the canine—into the air and assess the damage once you have altitude?
They chose to fly.
It’s standard procedure if the strike happens past "V1," which is the speed where you're committed to the takeoff. Stopping after that point is often more dangerous than flying with potential minor damage. After circling back and landing safely, maintenance crews had to inspect the landing gear and the fuselage for "organic debris." That’s the polite aviation term for what happens when a mammal meets a turbine or a strut.
Why O'Hare is a Wildlife Magnet
Chicago O’Hare is huge. It covers over 7,000 acres. While much of it is tarmac, the surrounding areas are a mix of drainage basins, grass patches, and nearby forest preserves. It’s a buffet for scavengers.
Coyotes are remarkably adaptable. They’ve been caught on thermal cameras at O’Hare navigating the perimeter fences like they own the place. Even with the USDA Wildlife Services on-site, these animals find gaps. They dig. They climb. They wait.
The FAA keeps a massive database of these things. It's called the National Wildlife Strike Database. If you spend an hour scrolling through it, you'll see it's not just birds. We’re talking deer, turtles, and yes, plenty of coyotes. O'Hare has historically seen dozens of non-avian wildlife strikes over the last decade because of its geographical footprint.
Engineering vs. Nature: Can a Plane Survive This?
Modern aircraft are tanks. They are tested to withstand "bird ingestion," where a dead chicken is literally fired out of a cannon into a running engine to see if it explodes. But a coyote is different. It’s heavier. It has bones that are denser than a seagull’s.
When a United Airlines flight struck a coyote during takeoff at O’Hare, the primary concern wasn't usually the engine—unless the animal was somehow tossed upward—but rather the landing gear. Hydraulic lines are surprisingly vulnerable. A stray bone fragment or the sheer force of the impact can sever a line, leading to a gear failure or a brake fire upon landing.
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Luckily, the United crew reported no "abnormal indications" immediately, which gave them the window to return to the gate. But the plane was pulled from service. That’s the part that hurts the airline's bottom line. You have to inspect every inch of that wheel well. You have to check the sensors. It’s an expensive coyote.
The Invisible War: Wildlife Management at ORD
The Chicago Department of Aviation doesn't just sit around. They have a literal "Bird Hazard Task Force." They use everything from pyrotechnics (essentially loud noise makers) to physical trapping.
- Habitat modification: They keep the grass at specific heights. If it’s too short, birds see worms. If it’s too long, rodents hide there, which attracts... you guessed it, coyotes.
- Perimeter Patrols: Trucks drive the fences 24/7.
- Non-lethal deterrents: Lasers and sirens are used to spook animals before they get near the active "movement areas."
Despite all this, the "urban coyote" population in Chicago is booming. Research from the Cook County Urban Coyote Project shows these animals have learned the schedules of the city. They know when the traffic is heavy. It's possible they even recognize the sound of the planes, but hunger or territory disputes drive them onto the runways anyway.
What This Means for Your Next Flight
If you're flying out of a major hub like O'Hare, should you be worried? Probably not. You're more likely to be delayed by a missing bag than a coyote strike.
However, it highlights the delicate balance of modern travel. We are encroaching on their space, and they are adapting to ours. The fact that the United Airlines flight struck a coyote during takeoff at O’Hare and landed without a single scratch on a passenger is a testament to how over-engineered these planes actually are.
Pilots train for this. They spend hours in simulators practicing "engine out" or "rejected takeoff" scenarios. A coyote on the runway is just another Tuesday in the simulator, even if it feels like a movie script in real life.
Actionable Insights for Travelers
If you ever find yourself on a plane that hits something on the runway, here is what you actually need to know:
- Stay Put: Don't unbuckle the second you feel a bump. If the pilots need to slam on the brakes, you don't want to be a projectile.
- Watch the Crew: The flight attendants are your best barometer. If they aren't screaming, you shouldn't be either. They are trained to wait for communication from the flight deck.
- Expect Delays: Even if the plane feels fine, the FAA requires an inspection. You aren't going to make your connection. Start looking at the airline app for rebooking options the moment the pilot announces they are heading back to the gate.
- Listen to the "Thud": If the sound came from under the floor, it’s likely gear. If there’s a change in engine pitch or a vibration in the cabin walls, it might be an ingestion. This is useful info if you're ever asked by a crew member what you heard in the back of the bus.
The reality of the United Airlines flight struck coyote during takeoff at O’Hare incident is that it’s a reminder of the wildness that still exists right on the edge of our most advanced technology. We build fences, but nature finds the holes.
The next time you’re taxing out at O'Hare, look out the window at the tall grass near the taxiways. There's a good chance something is looking back at you, waiting for the coast to be clear. Fortunately, the systems in place—both human and mechanical—are designed to ensure that even when nature gets in the way, the wheels eventually touch back down safely.
To stay informed on flight safety, regularly check the FAA Wildlife Strike Database for public reports on your frequent routes. If you are a nervous flyer, researching the EASA or FAA certification standards for airframe impacts can provide significant peace of mind regarding the structural integrity of modern jets during these rare events.