An Alaska Airlines flight bound for Fairbanks was forced to turn back to Anchorage on Christmas Eve after colliding with an eagle, a stark reminder of the risks posed by bird strikes in aviation. The incident occurred just days before a fatal plane crash in South Korea, also suspected to be caused by a bird strike, underscoring the persistent threat to air safety.
The Alaska Airlines flight, numbered 2041, departed from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport but returned approximately 30 minutes later, according to flight data. A passenger on board described the sudden turn back as a precaution, soon learning that an eagle was the cause of the unusual return.
Passengers were informed that the eagle had survived the collision but sustained a broken wing. Though initial reports suggested the bird would be taken to a sanctuary, the Bird Treatment and Learning Center later confirmed the eagle was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries. Despite the unfortunate outcome for the eagle, the flight’s crew handled the situation professionally, and passengers were placed on another flight to Fairbanks.
Meanwhile, the recent crash in South Korea, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 179 people, is also being investigated as a possible bird strike incident. The pilot of Jeju Air Flight 2216 issued a mayday call after a bird strike alert. The aircraft subsequently skidded off the runway during landing at Muan International Airport and was destroyed by fire. A full investigation, potentially lasting several years, is underway with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, Boeing, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The two incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in preventing bird strikes and the importance of pilot training for handling these hazardous events. The Alaska Airlines spokesperson emphasized their crews' readiness for such situations, noting that the damaged aircraft was thoroughly inspected and has since returned to service.
