Anchorage, Alaska – On December 24, 2024, Horizon Air Flight 2041, traveling from Anchorage to Fairbanks, was forced to return to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport after colliding with an eagle shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft landed safely without declaring an emergency, and no injuries were reported among the 67 passengers or crew members. Horizon Air arranged an alternate plane for passengers to continue their journey to Fairbanks.
The eagle involved in the collision sustained severe injuries, including an open wing fracture. It was transported to the Alaska Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage, where it was euthanized due to the extent of its injuries.
Bird strikes remain a recognized hazard in aviation, particularly in areas like Alaska, which has a high population of large birds. Although such incidents occasionally lead to flight diversions, they rarely cause major accidents.
Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, emphasized that their pilots are trained to handle bird strikes effectively. “Safety is always our top priority,” a company representative stated.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by wildlife in aviation and the importance of robust safety protocols.
