A video displaying an Alaska Airways airplane hanging a number of deer on a runway has gone viral on social media, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incident occurred at Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport, the place a Boeing 737 plane hit greater than two deer whereas touchdown.
Video reveals dramatic runway scene
The clip shared on X captures the second the airplane begins to descend. Because it strikes alongside the runway, it runs into a number of deer wandering throughout the tarmac. The video ends with the plane coming to an entire cease.
An X person who posted the footage wrote, “An Alaska Airways Boeing 737 hit a number of deer whereas touchdown at Kodiak Airport.”
Pilots reported deer earlier than touchdown
Based on a report by CNN, which cited LiveATC.web, the pilots had noticed the animals earlier than touching down and alerted air visitors management.
“There’s deer on the runway,” the pilot mentioned after receiving touchdown clearance.
The management tower responded, “Roger, do you’ve an idea of the place they’re at presently?” The pilot then replied, “The intersection.”
Plane broken, flights cancelled
A spokesperson for Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport advised CNN that the airplane’s major touchdown gear was broken within the incident and would wish repairs in Kodiak.
Because of this, all passenger flights to and from the airport have been cancelled for the remainder of the day. Affected travellers have been rebooked on different flights.
Animal strikes not unusual
CNN reported that animal collisions involving plane are pretty frequent throughout the USA. Final yr alone, over 22,000 such incidents have been recorded — together with 5 at Kodiak Airport.
Whereas chicken strikes are the commonest, 2024 has additionally seen planes hit an alligator in Florida, a mongoose in Hawaii, and a badger in North Dakota.
Regardless of the collision, all passengers and crew aboard the Alaska Airways flight have been unhurt, and no accidents have been reported.
