When you think of plane crashes, animals probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind—but you’d be surprised. From birds to moose (and even a fish), animals have caused some wild aviation incidents over the years. These aren’t just bizarre stories—they’re real moments where nature decided to make flying a little more complicated. Let’s dive in.
1. The First Fatal Bird Strike (1912)
Let’s start with a little aviation history. Back in 1912, this pilot, Cal Rodgers, was flying near Long Beach when his plane hit a gull. The bird jammed the controls, and unfortunately, the crash turned out to be the first-ever fatal bird strike. It’s wild to think how one small bird can bring down an entire plane.
2. Jeju Air and the Baikal Teals (2024)
This one’s a recent tragedy. In 2024, a Jeju Air flight hit a flock of Baikal teals while landing in South Korea. The engines couldn’t handle the impact, and the plane crashed, claiming 179 lives. It’s heartbreaking and a reminder of how unpredictable nature can be.
3. A Dog’s Unfortunate Interference (1976)
Here’s a strange one: In 1976, a German shepherd onboard a small Piper plane in the Grand Canyon accidentally interfered with the controls, causing it to crash. The dog survived, and thankfully, no humans were seriously injured, but this incident went down in history as the first recorded plane crash caused by a dog.
4. Coyote Causes Chaos (2025)
Coyotes are common in the wild, but not so much on runways. In 2025, a United Airlines flight hit a coyote while taking off from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. The plane had to return for inspection, but thankfully, no passengers were harmed. It’s a good reminder that even ground animals can pose serious risks to planes.
5. Vulture vs. Cockpit (2024)
In 2024, a vulture collided with a small plane in Brazil, shattering the cockpit windshield mid-flight. The pilot managed to land the plane safely, but the passengers were understandably shaken. Large birds like vultures can cause serious damage.
6. Aardvark Collision (2010)
Yes, you read that correctly, an aardvark of all animals. In 2010, a South African Express Airways flight collided with an aardvark during landing. While the animal didn’t survive, the plane suffered significant damage. Ground animals can be just as hazardous as birds when it comes to aviation.
7. Goose Trouble in Denver (2012)
Geese are a notorious problem for planes, and in 2012, a Boeing 737-900 descending into Denver hit a goose. The collision damaged the plane’s nose and radar equipment, but the pilot landed safely. Geese may look peaceful, but in the air, they’re anything but.
8. Locust Swarm Brings Down a Plane (1965)
Here’s one you don’t hear every day: In 1965, a plane over Africa flew straight into a swarm of locusts. The insects clogged the engines and smeared across the windshield, making it impossible to see. The result? A crash landing and a very unusual wildlife hazard.
9. Moose on the Runway (2000s)
Planes in Alaska face an unusual challenge: moose. Over the years, there have been multiple incidents where planes collided with these massive animals during takeoff or landing. It’s a uniquely Alaskan problem, and one that highlights how wildlife can surprise you in unexpected ways.
10. Bat Interference (2019)
In 2019, a bat caused an engine failure on a small aircraft in Australia when it was sucked into the engine mid-flight. The pilot managed to make an emergency landing, but it’s a reminder that even tiny creatures can create big problems in the air.
11. Deer on the Tarmac (2017)
In Michigan, a private jet struck a deer while taking off in 2017. The collision caused a fuel leak and a fire, but all passengers escaped safely. It’s proof that rural airports face some very unique challenges when it comes to wildlife.
12. Pelican Problems (2009)
In 2009, a pelican collided with a small plane off Florida’s coast, causing an emergency water landing. The pilot survived, but the pelican? Not so much. Seems like these beach birds can really wreak such havoc in the skies.
13. A Fishy Crash (1987)
And now for the strangest story: In 1987, a military jet ingested a fish into its engine. How, you ask? An eagle flying overhead dropped its catch mid-flight. The fish caused engine failure, but the pilot landed safely. Sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction.
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