Alaska Airlines Aircraft Collides with Deer: FAA Launches Investigation
An Alaska Airlines plane collided with deer on the runway while landing at Kodiak Airport in Alaska. The FAA has launched an investigation, and flights were temporarily suspended. No injuries were reported.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an official investigation after Alaska Airlines Flight 231, a Boeing 737M aircraft, collided with deer on the runway while landing in Kodiak, Alaska.
The aircraft, which had flown for approximately 39 minutes from Anchorage to Kodiak, landed safely at Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport at around 8:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. However, during landing, it struck several deer that were crossing the runway.
In a statement from Alaska Airlines, it was confirmed: “Unfortunately, at least two deer present on the runway died as a result of the collision. Damage was identified on the aircraft’s main landing gear, and repairs will need to be made in Kodiak.”
Following the incident, all inbound and outbound passenger flights to and from Kodiak were temporarily cancelled. Passengers were rebooked on alternative flights. The airline confirmed that no passengers or crew members on board were injured.
Live Radio Transmission Captured the Incident
According to air traffic control recordings provided by LiveATC.net, the pilots noticed the animals on the runway during their final approach. When the pilot warned, “There are deer on the runway,” the tower responded, “Do you have any idea where they are right now?” The pilot replied, “Intersection,” after which ground crews were dispatched to the area.
After landing, the aircraft taxied to the parking area without issue. The airport briefly closed the runway, and at least two deer carcasses were found. A ground crew member reported over radio, “The pilots need to come down and look at this—if you can call them, they can come and see.”
Deer Strikes Are Rare but Potentially Fatal
According to FlightAware data, the damaged aircraft has remained grounded in Kodiak since the incident. The FAA’s wildlife strike database reported more than 22,000 animal collisions in the U.S. in 2023. Kodiak Airport recorded five animal strikes last year—all of which involved birds.
Nationwide, U.S. aircraft were involved in more than 24 deer collisions in 2023. In 2024, aircraft collisions with alligators, mongooses, badgers, coyotes, bats, skunks, and opossums have also been recorded.
