Incident Overview
On January 12, 2025, United Airlines flight UA-1727, a Boeing 737-9 MAX (registration N37507), experienced a coyote strike during takeoff from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) while departing runway 28R. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the right nose gear. The flight crew elected to stop the climb at 6,000 feet and returned to Chicago, landing safely on the same runway approximately 40 minutes after departure.
Timeline of Events
1. Takeoff Roll:
• The aircraft was accelerating for takeoff from runway 28R when a coyote was struck.
• The strike impacted the right nose gear.
2. Climb Out:
• The crew stopped the climb at 6,000 feet after assessing the situation.
3. Return to Chicago:
• The crew decided to return to O’Hare for safety checks and preparations.
• The aircraft landed without further incident on runway 28R.
4. Post-Incident Actions:
• The aircraft was inspected for damage, which was confirmed to be minor and localized to the right nose gear.
• The aircraft returned to service about four hours later.
Damage Assessment
• The impact caused minor damage to the right nose gear.
• The aircraft underwent immediate inspection upon landing, and no further damage was identified.
Safety Considerations
1. Wildlife Hazards:
• Wildlife strikes remain a known risk at airports, particularly those near open fields or natural habitats.
• Regular wildlife management and runway inspections are critical to mitigating these risks.
2. Crew Response:
• The flight crew’s decision to return to the departure airport was prudent and in line with standard operating procedures.
• The timely and controlled handling of the situation ensured the safety of passengers and crew.
3. Runway Safety Measures:
• Additional measures, such as perimeter fencing or wildlife monitoring systems, may be reviewed to further reduce the risk of wildlife incursions.
Follow-Up Actions
• Wildlife Management:
• Chicago O’Hare Airport management has likely initiated a review of wildlife mitigation protocols to prevent similar incidents.
• Aircraft Inspection:
• Maintenance teams confirmed the aircraft was fit to return to service after addressing the minor damage.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the persistent risk of wildlife encounters at airports and underscores the importance of robust wildlife management programs. The prompt and professional actions of the flight crew ensured a safe outcome for all passengers and crew.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information available as of January 13, 2025. Updates will be provided as further details emerge. If you are the rightful owner of any associated media and wish for it to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
