A United Airlines flight headed to Phoenix on January 12 was diverted after the plane struck a coyote.
“On Sunday morning, United Flight 1727 safely returned to Chicago O’Hare International Airport to examine the aircraft after its landing gear struck a coyote during takeoff,” a United spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“We have arranged for another aircraft to take our clients to their destination later that afternoon.”
Six crew members and 167 passengers were on board the Boeing 737 MAX 9 when the incident occurred.
The plane diverted to Chicago, Illinois, after the landing gear struck a coyote (not pictured) during takeoff. (iStock)
Fox News Digital reached out to O’Hare International airport for comment.
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In November, American Airlines the flight was diverted to O’Hare after it struck the bird, Fox News Digital reported.
The pilots were able to land the plane safely and return to the exit without incident, an airline spokesman said at the time.
There were no reports of injuries to passengers or crew members.
A United spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the plane returned to O’Hare International Airport “safely” after the coyote incident. (United Airlines)
There were more than 17,200 of them wild animal strikes at US airports in 2023, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Between 1990 and 2023, the FAA recorded approximately 310,000 collisions between aircraft and animals, most usually birds.
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There were more than 17,200 wildlife attacks at US airports in 2023. (iStock)
Chicago has reportedly seen an increase in coyote sightings this winter FOX 32.
On Monday, animal control officers were called to remove a coyote that entered an Aldi grocery store, the retailer reported.
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A spokesperson for Chicago Animal Care and Control told FOX 32 that “January through March is mating season for coyotes, which leads to increased visibility as the animals roam during the day to establish territories and find mates.”
Arlington Heights Police Deputy Chief Greg Czernecki said, “Keep your animals on a leash and make sure fenced yards are secure.”
