Alaska Airlines Jet Strikes Deer on Kodiak Runway, FAA Launches Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 struck several deer while landing at Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport Thursday morning.

Alaska Airlines Flight 231, which had departed from Anchorage for the short 39-minute flight, touched down around 8 a.m. when at least two deer crossed the runway. Both animals were killed in the collision, according to the airline.

The airline said the plane sustained damage to its main landing gear that will require repairs in Kodiak. All flights to and from the airport were canceled for the remainder of the day, with affected passengers rebooked on other flights. No passengers or crew members were hurt.

Air traffic control recordings from LiveATC.net captured the pilot warning about the deer moments before landing. “There is deer on the runway,” the pilot reported, with the tower responding to try and locate the animals.

The plane taxied safely after the incident and parked without further issue. Airport crews briefly closed the runway to clear debris.

Wildlife strikes are not uncommon at airports. The FAA’s wildlife strike database reports more than 22,000 collisions between aircraft and animals last year alone, including five incidents at Kodiak Airport—all involving birds. Across the United States, planes hit deer more than two dozen times in 2024.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.