United flight forced to turn around after hitting a coyote during takeoff
Published: Jan. 15, 2025 at 8:18 AM HST|Updated: 16 hours ago
CHICAGO (CNN) – A United Airlines flight was forced to divert back to Chicago O’Hare airport on Sunday after the plane hit a coyote during takeoff.
The Boeing 737 Max 9 was carrying 167 passengers and six crew members en route to Phoenix when it happened.
The pilot declared an emergency and could be heard on air traffic control audio saying the plane hit a “pretty big animal.”
He added he was concerned about possible damage to the nose and landing gear.
Another plane took passengers to Phoenix later that afternoon.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
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