A United Airlines flight bound for Phoenix was forced to return to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after striking a coyote during takeoff on Sunday (January 12). The Boeing 737 MAX 9, carrying 167 passengers and six crew members,

Boeing’s last 737 MAX 9 delivery to United Airlines was on December 13, 2024, when the airline welcomed N77585 to its fleet. The airframe operated its first flight on September 11, 2024, just two days before the strike by Boeing’s machinists began on September 13, 2024, ending on November 4, 2024.

None of the 167 passengers or six crew on the flight were hurt during the incident, which occurred at Chicago O'Hare.

The United Airlines aircraft was carrying 167 passengers when it struck a coyote on Sunday, Jan. 12 in Chicago, the airline confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement

The Boeing 737 Max hit a coyote while taking off, forcing it to return to Chicago O’Hare after just 40 minutes of flying.

A United Airlines passenger jet struck a coyote on the runway during takeoff in Chicago, forcing the flight to return to O’Hare International Airport to have the landing gear examined.

A plane hit a coyote during takeoff at Chicago O'Hare Airport on Sunday and diverted back to the airport after declaring an emergency, officials said.

A United Airlines flight to Phoenix returned to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport after striking a coyote during takeoff. The Boeing 737 MAX 9, carrying 167 passengers, landed safely, and no injuries were reported. Passengers were rebooked on another flight.

A United Airlines flight struck a coyote while attempting to take off from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport over the weekend, the airline confirmed Tuesday.

A plane hit a coyote during takeoff at Chicago O'Hare Airport on Sunday and diverted back to the airport after declaring an emergency, officials said.