A Rabbit on the Runway Reminds Us Why Wildlife Risk Isn’t Just About Birds

A United Airlines Boeing 737-800, Flight 2325, had just lifted off from Denver International Airport en route to Edmonton when a jackrabbit darted across the runway. Moments later, a loud bang echoed through the cabin, followed by intense vibrations. 

Flames erupted from the right engine, visible to both passengers and onlookers. One passenger described seeing a "giant fireball" trailing the wing. Panic ensued as the aircraft remained airborne for approximately 75 minutes, with the crew managing the situation and preparing for an emergency landing. 

The pilot's calm acknowledgment over the radio — "Rabbit through the number 2, that'll do it" — underscored the gravity of the situation. The plane safely returned to Denver, and all 153 passengers and six crew members were unharmed.

This unlikely incident shows us the unpredictable challenges wildlife can pose to aviation, even from creatures as seemingly innocuous as a rabbit.

The Usual Suspects: Birds and FAA Data

Say “wildlife strike,” and most pilots picture feathers. The FAA Wildlife Strike Database confirms the instinct — around 97% of reported strikes involve birds. Gulls, geese, hawks, and swallows dominate the stats, usually during takeoff or landing. 

But the database doesn’t end in the air. Rabbits, deer, and coyotes regularly show up on runways and taxiways, creating hazards that are harder to anticipate. Ground strikes may be fewer, but the damage can be worse. 

A jackrabbit doesn’t need wings to bring down an engine. A deer can total a landing gear. Coyotes move fast and low. The danger isn't just overhead. It’s moving through the brush near the fence line, waiting for a gap in the perimeter.

Mammals Don’t Fly but They Do Get in the Way

Rabbits, foxes, groundhogs, raccoons, and deer are increasingly common on general aviation airstrips. As airports expand into rural areas and perimeter maintenance lags, these animals find easy access to runways. Spring and fall bring spikes in movement—mating, foraging, migration—all of it dragging wildlife across pavement at the worst moments.

At dusk, a Cessna 421 struck two deer during landing roll. The impact collapsed the landing gear strut, causing both propellers to hit the runway. The aircraft came to rest on its main landing gear and the bottom of the fuselage just aft of the nose. The airport was closed for two and a half hours to clear the runway.

Not every close call ends with bent metal. Swerving to miss a rabbit on rollout can blow a tire or drag a wingtip into the dirt. You don’t need a strike to have a problem. You just need something in the wrong place.

Why GA Airstrips Are Especially Vulnerable

General aviation airstrips often sit in rural areas, bordered by fields, woods, or open scrub—perfect habitat for deer, rabbits, and other wildlife. Many lack full fencing or have gaps wide enough for animals to pass through without effort. Maintenance is often done by the pilots themselves, which means wildlife control takes a back seat to mowing and patching. 

Night and early morning operations carry higher risk. Animals are more active, and the reduced visibility makes spotting them nearly impossible until it’s too late. Unlike towered airports, these strips rarely have staff on hand or ground vehicles to sweep the area before takeoff or landing. 

A rabbit sitting in tall grass near the threshold won’t move unless something scares it. On a quiet airstrip at dawn, that something is probably a propeller.

Maintenance Hangar Tales: What Wildlife Can Really Cost You

Hitting a mammal on rollout or takeoff can lead to more than a bent prop or collapsed gear. A jackrabbit strike can puncture a cowling, dent control surfaces, damage an exhaust system, or force an engine teardown if debris is ingested. Shops have seen cracked spinners, oil cooler leaks, and dented baffling—all from animals that never left the ground. 

A nose gear strike can ripple through the firewall and avionics shelf. Insurance might cover it, but downtime still bites. One owner logged six weeks on the ground after a raccoon encounter. The shop bill? Over $20,000. A blown tire from a swerve adds another layer—torn fairings, bent brake lines, and a flatbed tow. The dramatic bird ingestion makes headlines but the quiet damage that shows up in the shop is what will really cost you.

Prevention Tactics that Don’t Rely on the Tower

Pilots at non-towered strips have to do their own wildlife checks. A fast taxi pass before departure can flush out anything hiding near the edge. On approach, sweep the runway with landing lights or headlights—eyes low, not just looking for traffic. Thresholds and grass edges deserve extra attention. Rabbits don’t show up well against faded pavement. 

Talk to locals. If someone saw fresh tracks or a rabbit near the tiedowns that morning, believe them. Have a plan before you commit. Know your abort point for takeoff and your go-around options for landing. Don’t force the landing if something doesn’t look right. Wildlife isn’t predictable, but a little attention and prep can keep the runway clear and the airplane out of the shop.

The Paperwork Side: Reporting, Logging, and Claims

The FAA Wildlife Strike form applies to all animals, not just birds. Reporting a rabbit or deer strike helps improve the data and highlights risk patterns at smaller fields. Even a clean go-around due to wildlife deserves a note in the logbook. If there’s a strike — even with no visible damage — file the report. 

That paper trail matters if damage shows up later or if an insurance claim follows. Skipping the form leaves no record. No record means no trend, and no trend means the problem stays off the radar.

Know What Your Coverage Actually Covers

Not every policy covers animal damage during taxi. Some require specific language about wildlife strikes to trigger a claim. It matters how the wording reads and when the damage occurs. Avemco underwriters talk with you directly. They know GA strips aren’t pristine, and they’ve seen what one rabbit can do to a prop, gear, or engine.

Proper insurance helps protect your investment against those unavoidable moments when things don’t go as planned. As a direct insurance provider, Avemco specialists work with you one-on-one, crafting coverage that fits your needs.

Get in touch directly with an aviation insurance specialist and find the coverage for you.

Key Takeaways

• Wildlife Hazards Extend Beyond Birds. While most strikes involve birds, mammals like rabbits, deer, and coyotes frequently create serious hazards on runways and taxiways.
• Mammals Can Cause Significant Damage. A rabbit can disable an engine. Deer can collapse landing gear. Even without a strike, swerving to avoid animals can damage tires, wings, or landing gear.
• General Aviation Airstrips Are More Vulnerable. Rural locations, poor fencing, and limited staff make GA strips more prone to wildlife intrusions. Pilots often maintain the field themselves, with wildlife control being a lower priority.
• Incidents Are Expensive and Time-Consuming. Ground strikes can lead to costly repairs and long downtimes. Some owners have spent weeks grounded and faced repair bills over $20,000 due to animal encounters.
• Pilots Must Stay Proactive. Wildlife checks, taxi sweeps, and using lights on approach can reduce risk. Talking to locals and planning for abort options adds a layer of protection.
• Report Every Encounter. Even near misses should be logged. FAA wildlife reports build useful data and strengthen the case for improvements and funding at smaller fields.
• Insurance Coverage Varies. Not all policies automatically include animal strike protection. Review your coverage closely. Companies like Avemco offer tailored policies that consider GA-specific risks.