Video shows plane hitting deer on Kodiak runway, causing Alaska Airlines flight cancellations

An Alaska Airlines flight had an unexpected encounter with wildlife at Kodiak Airport, making headlines after hitting two deer during its landing. Fortunately, there were no injuries to passengers or crew members, but the landing gear of the Boeing 737 aircraft sustained damage during the incident.

The aircraft was able to safely taxi to the terminal after the encounter, and all flights had resumed by the following morning. Many people in the area, including Erin Edwards and her husband Graham, were on hand to witness the aftermath of the incident. Being frequent flyers and airplane enthusiasts, they often enjoyed filming planes as they landed at the nearby Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport.

During this particular flight landing, however, they were taken by surprise when the video footage they captured showed the aircraft colliding with a group of deer on the runway. Initially unaware of the animals’ presence, it wasn’t until they heard the announcement of an animal strike that they revisited their video and made the shocking discovery.

Three deer had crossed onto the runway, with only one escaping unharmed. Despite not visually spotting the animals during filming, they recalled hearing a noise outside but assuming it was related to the landing gear. Passengers on the flight, like Victoria and Ryan Walton, also experienced the unexpected event firsthand. They described the landing as abrupt and initially speculated about the runway’s length before learning the truth in the terminal.

Although shaken by the incident, particularly Victoria’s daughter, they emphasized the importance of seatbelts in ensuring safety during flights. Commending the Alaska Airlines pilots for their professionalism in handling the situation, Graham even added a touch of humor to the situation with a hunting-related jest.

The collision may have caused damage to the plane’s landing gear, requiring repairs in Kodiak and resulting in the cancellation of all passenger flights to and from the airport on the day of the incident. While inconvenienced passengers were being rebooked, the airline expressed gratitude for their understanding and patience during the unexpected turn of events.

In conclusion, the incident at Kodiak Airport serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in aviation, highlighting the importance of safety protocols and the expertise of airline staff in ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew members.