United Airlines Flight Returns to Chicago After Hitting Coyote During Takeoff

The Boeing 737 MAX 9, carrying 167 passengers and six crew, safely landed back at O'Hare for inspection after the incident.

United Airlines Flight 1727, en route to Phoenix, struck a coyote during takeoff from Chicago O'Hare on Sunday morning.
The plane returned safely to O'Hare about 40 minutes after departure to inspect potential damage to the landing gear and nose.
No injuries were reported among the 167 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 9.
Passengers were transferred to another plane and continued their journey to Phoenix later that afternoon.
The FAA is investigating the incident, highlighting the growing risk of wildlife strikes, which have increased due to rising animal populations and quieter aircraft engines.