Introduction
On 9 March 2025, a Hokkaido Air System ATR-42-600, operating flight JL-2757 on behalf of Japan Airlines (JAL), was forced to reject takeoff after striking a fox during departure from Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD), Japan.
The aircraft, registered JA12HC, was scheduled to operate a short-haul domestic flight from Sapporo to Hakodate, carrying 44 passengers and 3 crew members.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft collided with a fox crossing the runway, prompting the flight crew to initiate an immediate rejected takeoff before reaching V1. The aircraft safely returned to the apron for inspection, and the flight was subsequently cancelled.
Airport authorities later confirmed the presence of a fox carcass on the runway, verifying the crew’s report. The aircraft returned to service approximately 13 hours after the incident following maintenance clearance.
Sequence of Events
Pre-Flight and Taxi to Runway
• The ATR-42-600 was operating as JL-2757, a routine regional flight between Sapporo Okadama (OKD) and Hakodate Airport (HKD), Japan.
• Weather conditions were reported as clear, with no significant operational issues prior to departure.
• The aircraft taxied normally to the active runway and was cleared for takeoff.
Takeoff Roll and Wildlife Strike
• During acceleration for takeoff, the crew observed an animal on the runway.
• The aircraft collided with the fox, prompting the crew to abort the takeoff before reaching decision speed (V1).
• The aircraft decelerated safely, and the crew informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the wildlife strike.
• The aircraft returned to the apron for inspection, and the flight was cancelled.
Airport and Airline Response
• Airport ground crews were dispatched to inspect the runway.
• A fox carcass was located and removed from the area.
• Hokkaido Air System maintenance teams performed a detailed inspection of the aircraft for any damage to the landing gear, fuselage, or propellers.
• No significant damage was found, and the aircraft was returned to service after approximately 13 hours.
Wildlife Hazards in Aviation
Wildlife strikes, particularly involving birds and small mammals, pose a well-documented safety risk in aviation.
1. Wildlife Management at Airports
• Airports, especially regional airfields like Sapporo Okadama, often experience wildlife intrusions due to their proximity to forests, fields, or water sources.
• Japanese airports implement fencing, patrols, and deterrents to minimise the risk of animal incursions onto runways.
• Despite these measures, occasional wildlife intrusions still occur, particularly at smaller airports with open perimeters.
2. Risks Associated with Ground-Level Wildlife Strikes
• Unlike bird strikes, which can impact aircraft in flight, ground-level wildlife strikes affect takeoff and landing operations.
• Strikes with small mammals (such as foxes, deer, or rabbits) can cause landing gear, undercarriage, or engine damage in turboprop aircraft.
• In this incident, the ATR-42’s low operating height and propeller-driven design may have reduced the severity of the impact.
3. Impact on Aircraft Operations
• The ATR-42-600 is a high-wing turboprop aircraft, meaning its engines and propellers are positioned higher than many runway-level obstructions.
• If a fox strike had occurred at a higher speed (near or after V1), the crew may have had to continue takeoff and return for an emergency landing.
• Hokkaido Air System’s decision to abort takeoff before reaching V1 was correct, preventing potential structural damage to the aircraft.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Aircraft Inspection
Following the incident, maintenance crews inspected the aircraft for potential damage to:
1. The nose landing gear and main undercarriage
2. Propeller blades and engine inlets for debris ingestion
3. Lower fuselage and underside panels for impact marks
The aircraft was found to be undamaged and returned to service after 13 hours.
Airport Response and Wildlife Mitigation
• Sapporo Okadama Airport conducted additional wildlife control measures to reassess existing deterrents.
• Routine runway inspections were increased to prevent future wildlife intrusions.
• Authorities considered installing additional fencing or deterrent systems to discourage foxes from accessing airfield areas.
Safety Recommendations
1. Strengthened Wildlife Management Programs
• Japanese airports already implement wildlife hazard mitigation, but this incident highlights the need for enhanced ground-level wildlife control measures.
• Thermal imaging cameras, motion sensors, or additional patrols could further reduce wildlife runway incursions.
2. Improved Runway Surveillance for Regional Airports
• Large international airports typically have continuous runway surveillance, but smaller regional airports may lack automated wildlife detection systems.
• Upgrading ground radar systems to detect small mammals could assist in real-time runway monitoring.
3. Pilot and ATC Coordination for Wildlife Avoidance
• ATC communication protocols should reinforce real-time wildlife hazard updates before departure clearances.
• Crew training for wildlife strike scenarios can ensure proper decision-making in cases of runway incursions.
Conclusion
Hokkaido Air System flight JL-2757 was forced to reject takeoff from Sapporo Okadama Airport after striking a fox on the runway. The crew executed a safe rejected takeoff, preventing potential aircraft damage.
Runway inspections confirmed the presence of the fox carcass, and maintenance teams cleared the aircraft after thorough examinations.
The incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by wildlife incursions at regional airports, highlighting the importance of enhanced surveillance, fencing, and pilot awareness to mitigate similar events in the future.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information and investigations as of 12 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the details provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish for them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
