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United Airlines Flight Safely Lands After Suspected Wildlife Strike
Denver, Colorado – April 15, 2025
Passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 2876 experienced a tense but ultimately safe landing Monday afternoon after what authorities are calling a “suspected wildlife strike” shortly after takeoff from Denver International Airport.
The flight, a Boeing 737-800 en route to San Francisco, was carrying 156 passengers and six crew members when it struck what is believed to be a flock of large birds less than 10 minutes after departure. According to both the airline and airport officials, the aircraft’s left engine ingested at least one bird, causing a sudden drop in thrust and prompting a precautionary return to Denver.
“There Was a Loud Boom”
Passenger Jessica Lin, seated in 14A, described the moment of impact. “There was this loud boom — like someone had dropped a giant metal pipe onto the wing,” she said. “Then the engine made this horrible grinding noise. A lot of people gasped, and some screamed. The flight attendants stayed calm, but you could tell they were worried.”
Captain Mark Hendricks, a 23-year veteran pilot, radioed air traffic control within seconds of the incident, reporting vibrations in the left engine and an unusual burning smell in the cabin. Air traffic controllers immediately cleared a return path and placed emergency crews on standby.
“It was textbook aviator work,” said FAA spokesperson Melanie Cruz. “Captain Hendricks and First Officer Laura Zhang did exactly what they were trained to do. Their professionalism ensured every passenger made it back safely.”
“It Could Have Been Much Worse”
United Airlines released a brief statement after the incident, confirming the wildlife strike and lauding the crew’s “calm and rapid response.” The airline also announced that all passengers would be accommodated on later flights and offered travel vouchers for the disruption.
Aviation expert Dr. Henry Munroe of the National Air Safety Institute weighed in on the situation.
“Bird strikes are one of the most common hazards during takeoff and landing,” Munroe said. “But what made this event unusual was the severity of the strike and how quickly it affected the engine. A few more seconds of delay or a less experienced crew could have turned this into a very different story.”
Photos taken by passengers show dark streaks along the fuselage and a visibly damaged engine casing. Fire crews sprayed foam on the runway as a precaution, though no fire occurred. A preliminary inspection by United maintenance personnel confirmed foreign object damage consistent with avian remains.
Chaos and Calm Inside the Cabin
Multiple passengers recounted moments of confusion and fear during the brief flight. Some began texting loved ones; others clutched hands across aisles. The cabin crew moved swiftly, reassuring passengers, assisting with oxygen masks, and preparing the cabin for an emergency landing.
“We didn’t know what was going on at first,” said business traveler Carlos Rivas. “But the flight attendants were amazing. They kept walking the aisles, telling us everything would be okay. I fly a lot, and I’ve never seen such grace under pressure.”
Other passengers praised the pilots’ clear announcements, which helped calm nerves during the return descent.
Bird Strike: A Persistent Risk
Denver International Airport is located near several major wildlife habitats and migratory bird pathways, making it especially vulnerable to bird strikes. According to the FAA, DIA reported 234 bird strikes in 2024, though most involved minor impacts or were undetected until routine inspections.
“The area surrounding DIA includes open grasslands and water sources that attract geese, hawks, and other large birds,” said wildlife biologist Erica Tan with the Colorado Wildlife Management Authority. “Despite active bird mitigation programs, these incidents do happen.”
Officials are investigating whether a flock of Canada geese, spotted on radar near the departure path at 3,000 feet, may have been responsible for the strike. Remains from the engine have been collected and sent to the Smithsonian’s Feather Identification Lab for DNA testing.
Emotional Aftermath and Praise for the Crew
For many passengers, the emotional toll became clear only after landing.
“I didn’t cry until we were on the ground,” said college student Megan Wallace, flying home after visiting family. “Just knowing what could have happened — it’s overwhelming. But I’m so thankful for that crew. They’re heroes.”
Flight attendants received an outpouring of praise from passengers who described them as “angels in uniform.” One was seen hugging a young boy who had begun crying during the descent.
Captain Hendricks, known among colleagues for his calm demeanor and precision flying, issued a brief comment through the airline: “We did what we’re trained to do — get everyone home safe. That’s always the mission.”
Investigation Underway
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations into the incident, although initial findings point to no mechanical failure or human error. Airport officials will also review wildlife management practices to determine whether additional preventive measures are needed.
“This was a lucky escape,” said NTSB investigator Darnell Brooks. “Not because anyone was negligent, but because nature is unpredictable. We’re going to look at every factor — bird flight patterns, radar coverage, engine integrity — to learn what we can.”
Meanwhile, the aircraft has been grounded for a full mechanical review and will not return to service until deemed completely safe.
A Reminder of Aviation Realities
Monday’s incident serves as a stark reminder that, despite modern technology and rigorous safety protocols, nature still holds the potential to disrupt even the most routine of flights.
“In a world where air travel feels routine,” said Dr. Munroe, “this is a reminder of just how skilled airline crews must be — and how much trust we place in them every time we board a plane.”
For the 156 passengers on Flight 2876, that trust was rewarded with a safe landing — and a new story to tell.
United Airlines has confirmed that the affected aircraft will undergo comprehensive inspection and repairs. The company also announced it will review flight path planning in coordination with Denver’s wildlife experts to minimize future risks.
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