On a late‑September 2026 flight from Denver International Airport to Sheridan, Wyoming, a United Airlines passenger jet struck a mule deer that had entered the runway at Sheridan County Airport. The aircraft, which typically carries up to 50 passengers, was carrying 41 travelers at the time of the incident.
Details of the collision
According to airport officials, the deer managed to evade the routine wildlife‑monitoring patrols that scan the airfield each day. While the animal was fatally injured, none of the passengers or crew sustained injuries. The pilots reported a brief loss of visual contact with the runway surface before safely bringing the plane to a stop.
Airport and airline background
Scheduled service between Denver and Sheridan has been operating since 2015, offering a roughly 90‑minute connection for travelers in northern Colorado and southeastern Wyoming. The route is marketed by several carriers, including Alaska, American, Delta and United, but the actual flight was operated by SkyWest under a United codeshare. The airline’s safety record remains strong, and the incident is being treated as an isolated wildlife event rather than a systemic safety issue.
Wildlife management at Sheridan County Airport
Airport staff say that deer and other wildlife occasionally breach the perimeter fence, but most are spotted and cleared before aircraft landings. The airport’s wildlife‑control team conducts regular inspections of the runway and surrounding fields, and they are reviewing procedures after this incident to reduce the chance of future runway incursions.
Passenger reactions
Passengers described the moment as startling but noted the professionalism of the flight crew. “We felt the plane dip a little, but the pilots handled it calmly and we landed safely,” one traveler said. The crew also communicated the situation to passengers once the aircraft was stopped, assuring them that the aircraft was fit to continue its journey after a brief inspection.
What’s next?
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators will review the event, focusing on wildlife‑management practices at the airport. United Airlines has pledged to cooperate fully and to keep passengers informed of any findings. Meanwhile, the airport plans to assess its fencing and consider additional deterrents to keep deer off the runway.
Community impact
For residents of Sheridan and surrounding Natrona County, the incident underscores the challenges of operating an airport in a region where wildlife is abundant. Local officials have expressed confidence that the airport will continue to provide reliable service while enhancing safety measures.
Original reporting: K2 Radio (Casper) — read the source article.
