United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 damaged by a coyote during takeoff from Chicago O’Hare

A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 sustained damage during takeoff from Chicago O'Hare when it collided with a coyote. The incident occurred shortly after the flight took off for Phoenix, leading the pilots to halt their ascent at 6,000 feet and enter a holding pattern before safely returning the aircraft to O'Hare. The collision affected the aircraft's nose gear but, impressively, the plane was back in service just four hours after returning to the airport. From a transportation expert's perspective, this incident underscores the importance of wildlife management at airports. Airports are often located near habitats where animals can pose risks to aircraft during takeoff and landing. Implementing effective wildlife mitigation strategies can enhance safety measures, ensuring such incidents are minimized in the future. Additionally, timely responses and protocols for dealing with wildlife strikes are crucial in maintaining operational efficiency for airlines.