In an unusual incident that underscores the growing concerns around wildlife runway collisions, a plane landing in Yakutat, Alaska, struck two bears that unexpectedly crossed the runway. The aircraft, arriving from Cordova, was already on the ground when the collision occurred. The flight crew felt the impact as the animals passed under the plane, resulting in damage to the left engine cowl.
Fortunately, all six passengers and the flight crew were unharmed in the event. Technicians are currently working to restore the aircraft to full service, while wildlife officials investigate the circumstances surrounding the runway incursion.
Sam Dapcevich, spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, told CNN that the bear carcass was removed by airport maintenance staff. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game was later called in to handle the remains in accordance with state protocols.
“This is a first for me,” said Dapcevich, who noted that bird strikes and collisions with small mammals are relatively common in aviation—but larger wildlife such as bears are rarely involved. On the day of the incident, airport crews had been conducting snow removal and reported no wildlife sightings during their checks, making the strike even more surprising.
Wildlife runway collisions remain an unpredictable hazard in aviation, particularly in regions like Alaska, where wilderness and runways often intersect. Airports in remote and rural locations face unique challenges in preventing such occurrences. Fencing, motion sensors, and wildlife patrols are some of the tools used to monitor and reduce these risks, but no system is completely foolproof.
Adding to Alaska’s long list of bizarre aviation moments, this isn’t the first animal-related accident in the state. In 1987, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-200 departing Juneau collided with a fish—yes, a fish—just behind the cockpit window. The culprit? An eagle that accidentally dropped its catch mid-air while flying near the aircraft.
Events like these highlight the unusual intersection of nature and aviation in Alaska. They also serve as a reminder of how even well-maintained runways can pose unexpected dangers when located in regions with high wildlife activity.
As aircraft technology advances and traffic continues to grow in remote regions, experts are calling for updated safety measures and improved wildlife monitoring at regional airports to better mitigate these rare but impactful events.
Photo Credit: R E Johnson via CNN