Full Breakdown
JetBlue Flight Returns After Striking Coyote During Takeoff
3/25/2026, 10:23:43 AM
Incident Overview
On March 24, 2026, JetBlue Flight 1129, an Airbus A320, encountered an unusual incident shortly after taking off from T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island. The aircraft, bound for John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, struck a coyote on the runway around 6 a.m. As the plane accelerated, passengers reported hearing a loud thud, prompting confusion and concern among those on board.
Passenger Accounts
Passenger Erin Drozda described the moment of impact, stating, “We heard a thud and then after the thud, we still took off.” After approximately 10 to 15 minutes in the air, the flight crew informed passengers of the situation, leading Drozda and others to initially believe it was a joke. The aircraft returned to T.F. Green, landing safely at 6:40 a.m., where it was met by emergency responders for inspection.
Safety Measures and Inspection
JetBlue Airlines confirmed that the decision to turn back was made "out of an abundance of caution." Following the incident, maintenance crews conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft, which revealed no damage. The airline reported that all 50 passengers were unharmed, and the flight resumed its journey to New York, taking off again at 8:34 a.m. and landing at JFK at 9:06 a.m.
Wildlife Management Context
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding wildlife strikes at airports. T.F. Green International Airport had previously engaged in efforts to manage wildlife, including a request for proposals for wildlife control services in 2022. Historical data indicates that over a five-year span, the airport recorded more than 3,000 bird strikes and 18 coyote strikes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a database of wildlife strikes, noting that terrestrial mammals, particularly coyotes and deer, are commonly involved in such incidents.
Criticism and Concerns
While no injuries were reported, the incident raised questions about wildlife management practices at T.F. Green. Travelers expressed surprise at the occurrence, with one passenger noting, “I’ve never heard of such a thing, but the population must be getting pretty large for that to happen.” The airport's management did not provide immediate comments regarding the incident or the effectiveness of their wildlife control measures.
Official Statements
JetBlue emphasized the safety of its passengers and crew, stating, “The flight landed safely and a full inspection was done on the aircraft with no issues reported.” The FAA continues to analyze wildlife strike trends to improve safety protocols and management strategies.
Conclusion
The JetBlue Flight 1129 incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in aviation safety and wildlife management. As airports like T.F. Green navigate these challenges, the need for effective wildlife control measures remains critical to ensuring passenger safety.
