A private jet was compelled to execute an emergency landing in Florida after colliding with multiple deer during its takeoff roll, according to Federal Aviation Administration reports. The incident, described by aviation experts as exceptionally rare, unfolded without injury to the seven passengers aboard.
Details of the Unusual Runway Collision
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna Citation, struck the animals on Tuesday evening while departing from North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport. The FAA confirmed the jet hit "multiple deer," prompting the pilot to divert for an immediate emergency landing at the nearby Palm Beach International Airport.
Audio from air traffic control communications, reviewed by The Palm Beach Post, captured the pilot's urgent declaration. "I'm going to declare an emergency," the pilot stated, reporting impact with "four or five deer on the nose gear and possibly on the wings." The flight had been en route to Cincinnati, taking off near the state's Beeline Highway.
Air Traffic Control's Response and Pilot Queries
Following the collision, the pilot promptly alerted controllers, asking them to notify North County Airport about deer on the runway. Controllers at Palm Beach International Airport then adjusted operations to accommodate the inbound jet's emergency situation.
The unusual nature of the event sparked immediate reaction from other pilots in the area. A United Airlines pilot queried air traffic control, seeking clarification: "Did you say they hit deer?" The controller's response was straightforward: "That is their report."
Expert Analysis on the Rarity of Such Events
Veteran pilot Michael Leighton, speaking to local outlet WPBF, emphasized the extraordinary circumstances of the collision. He likened the probability to "getting hit by lightning or getting bit by a shark," underscoring its infrequency in aviation.
"It's not something that happens," Leighton explained. "You could fly your whole life, your entire life. I've got 16,000 flight hours, that's two full years off the surface of the Earth, and I've never hit an animal with an airplane. Can it happen? Sure. Is it likely to happen? Probably not."
Technical Constraints During High-Speed Takeoff
Leighton further elaborated on the mechanical limitations aircraft face during takeoff, which complicate evasive maneuvers. "You're not able to swerve left or right like you can with a car," he noted. "With an airplane, your range of motion is much smaller because the plane only has three wheels, so it's not made for that. It's not made to turn quickly at high speed on the ground."
The Independent has reached out to the Palm Beach County Department of Airports for additional commentary on the incident and any subsequent runway safety measures. Authorities confirmed the aircraft landed safely, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
