United Airlines Flight Returns After Coyote Strike

A United Airlines flight from Chicago to Phoenix had to return to O'Hare International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a collision with a coyote, which damaged the plane's landing gear. Flight 1727, carrying 167 passengers and six crew members, took off at approximately 10:45 a.m. but had to turn back after reaching 6,000 feet, resulting in a 40-minute flight before landing safely. United Airlines confirmed that the incident was classified as minor damage by the FAA, and no injuries were reported. Following inspections, the same Boeing 737 MAX 9 was cleared to take off again four hours later. This event highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife strikes at airports, with the FAA noting an increase in such incidents in recent years, primarily due to quieter aircraft engines. The situation also reflects a series of recent unusual coyote encounters in the Chicago area.