Days before the air disaster in South Korea, a flight in Alaska also experienced a bird strike, but the effect was not as catastrophic. Alaska Airlines said Horizon Air Flight 2041 from Anchorage to Fairbanks was forced to turn around on Christmas Eve after an eagle hit the plane, NBC News reports. The bird strike happened soon after takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. “The captain and first officer are trained for these situations and landed the aircraft safely without any issue,” Alaska Airlines said. Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines are both owned by Alaska Air Group. Passengers were put on another flight to Fairbanks and the only casualty was the eagle.

Passenger Michelle Tatela tells KTUU that police cars surrounded the plane when it landed. “Normally, it would be a scarier situation, but knowing that it was a bird … and then they said the eagle was going to the eagle hospital, and he had a broken wing,” she says. Officials at the Alaska Bird Treatment and Learning Center say the eagle was brought in on Christmas Eve but it had to be euthanized because of severe damage to its wing. “Everybody was really excited that they said the eagle had been removed and he was going to the sanctuary,” Tatela says. “We’re hoping for a happier ending for the eagle, but it is a jet, so there’s that.” (More bird strike stories.)

An Alaska Airlines flight on Christmas Eve from Anchorage to Fairbanks was forced to turn around after an eagle hit the plane. 

On Sunday, a major plane crash at a South Korean airport that killed 179 people and left just two survivors is also believed to have been caused by a bird strike — meaning a collision between a bird and an aircraft.

Alaska Airlines flight 2041 had taken off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at 11:40 a.m. local time on Dec. 24, but turned around and returned about 30 minutes later, according to FlightAware data. That flight typically takes about an hour.

Passenger Michelle Tatela was visiting from Chicago when the incident happened. 

“We’re in the air, and after a few minutes, we were told we were turning back around out of an abundance of caution, to come back to Anchorage,” she told NBC affiliate KTUU of Anchorage. 

When the plane landed back in Anchorage, she said passengers learned that a bird strike involving an eagle was behind the sudden return.

“The eagle survived at that time,” Tatela told the station. “And there were a bunch of police cars around the plane. Normally, it would be a scarier situation, but knowing that it was a bird … and then they said the eagle was going to the eagle hospital, and he had a broken wing.”

However, the eagle’s wing damage was too great for rehabilitation and it was euthanized on arrival, Bird Treatment and Learning Center Executive Director Laura Atwood said, KTUU reported. 

“Everybody was really excited that they said the eagle had been removed and he was going to the sanctuary,” Tatela said. “We’re hoping for a happier ending for the eagle, but it is a jet, so there’s that.”

She and other passengers were put on another flight to Fairbanks.

An Alaska Airlines spokesperson told the station that no emergency was declared and that the captain and first officer are trained for situations like a bird strike. NBC News has reached out to the airline for further comment.

The spokesperson added that the aircraft was removed from service for inspection and has since been returned to service. 

In the case of Sunday’s plane tragedy in South Korea, the pilot of Jeju Air Flight 2216 had declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert, said Joo Jong-wan, director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

The plane skidded off the runway while landing at Muan International Airport, about 180 miles south of Seoul, and burst into flames after crashing.

Joo said the plane was completely destroyed by the ensuing fire and a full investigation, that could take six months to three years, will take place.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an American team, including Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, that will assist South Korea in investigating.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Trying to compile just how many stories Alaska’s athletes brought this year is a hard task for anyone.

Week after week, it seemed like the next moment, athlete, or accomplishment wouldn’t be topped. At least until another seven days later.

Now, with 2024 entering its final moments, its time for a final look at what made the last 52 weeks truly special for the 49th state.

Jan. 9, 2024 – Emily Robinson

A young pup in a field full of big dogs, 16-year-old Emily Robinson went from underdog to top dog by beating out past Iditarod champions to claim the 2024 Knik 200 title.

Jan. 23 – Jessica Johnson

UAA gymnast Jessica Johnson has had quite a college career. From standout highs to tough lows, the Seawolf leader showed everyone what hard work and perseverance can do on Sunday at the Alaska Airlines Center.

Jan. 30 – Zoie Campbell

Campbell is sought after to stand in the net for good reason. She has allowed just three goals in two undefeated seasons in the girls high school hockey league, while also excelling in games against boys. Campbell recorded 15 saves in a win against the defending state champions, before posting a shutout conference win against Service in the 2023-24 regular-season finale.

Feb. 6 – Aryanna and Harvey Watson

Aryanna and Harvey Watson haven’t been with Service Cougars for very long, but their combined impact on the girls basketball program is already being felt.

Feb. 14 – Henry Sholton

Two goals and an assist away from the hat trick from Henry Sholton helped the West Eagles soar past Dimond 3-2 in the 2023-24 hockey state championship.

Feb. 20 – Gus Schumacher

It’s been over 20 years since the World Cup found itself on American snow, and even longer since a skier donning the red, white and blue had won a distance event at the premier ski event, but Schumacher played a role in putting an end to those streaks in Minnesota.

Feb. 27 – Murphy Kimball

Current UAA skier Murphy Kimball made history at the World Cup before winning an Alaska state championship just two weeks later with the West Anchorage Eagles.

March 6 – Kinsey Dufour, Zophia Lucero and Kadence Rodgers

Kinsey Dufour, Zophia Lucero and Kadence Rodgers had already earned one Arctic Winter Games gold medal, and the futsal trio were able to claim another.

March 14 – Dallas Seavey and his dogs Aero and Sebastian

The veteran musher smiled for pictures with his lead dogs, Aero and Sebastian, tucked under each one of his arms. It was only appropriate for the dog duo to bask in glory after helping Seavey become the all-time winningest musher of The Last Great Race.

March 19 – Hendrik Cumps

Petersburg basketball had come up short the last three seasons, but Hendrik Cumps made sure the fourth time was the charm.

March 26 – Finn Gregg, Richard Cross and Orson Hoogendorn

Finn Gregg and Richard Cross carried the scoring for the Nome Nanooks at the Class 3A state basketball tournament, but it was Orson Hoogendorn who hit possibly “the biggest shot in the history of our school” to seal the state title.

April 2 – Patrick Tolan

Anchorage’s Patrick Tolan scored a goal in his weekend debut with the Wolverines, a few weeks before graduating from South Anchorage High School.

April 10 – Jihsana Williams and Semaj Walker

The “Fastest Alaskan Award” is a coveted title handed out to the respective winners of the boys and girls 100-meter dash at the Big C Relays, and this year, both awards went to Chugiak High School runners.

April 17 – Alissa Pili

From a Dimond Lynx to a Minnesota Lynx, Anchorage’s Alissa Pili was selected 8th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

April 24th – Service Athletics

From bowling to basketball, Service athletes in eight different sports will be playing at all levels, from junior college up to NCAA Division I.

April 30 – Caelynn Carter

Wasilla sophomore Caelynn Carter’s new personal records shocked both herself and fans as Carter shined in the 2024 Native Youth Olympics.

May 7 – Meika Lee

There aren’t many high-level gymnasts in Alaska, but Meika Lee earned her right to be called one of the best.

May 22 – Tyson Gilbert

Between his 2020 Anchorage arrival and his final college basketball game earlier this year, Tyson Gilbert became a star player for the UAA Seawolves. But it was off the court that the recent graduate made his biggest mark.

May 28 – Andrew Arthur

In the span of four weeks, Soldotna’s Andrew Arthur was drafted to junior hockey and scored a hat trick in the state soccer championship.

June 4 – Jake Rafferty

Service senior Jake Rafferty batted 2-4 with 2 RBI’s while also pitching 6.2 IP, 7 strikeouts, and 1 earned run to help lead the Cougars to the 5-1 State Championship victory over Eagle River.

June 11 – Clair DeGeorge

Alaskan hockey player Clair DeGeorge just celebrated her 25th birthday and winning the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Walter Cup.

June 18 – Dylan Marx

Sitka High School alum and Glacier Pilots player Dylan Marx put the show in showcase for Major League scouts.

July 2 – Joshua Caleb

Joshua Caleb, a sprinter at the University of Alaska Anchorage, is on his way to shattering the Seawolf record books and helping his family back home in Nigeria.

July 9 – Davis Norris

Fairbanks’ David Norris smashed his previous record time at Mount Marathon eight years after he first set it in 2016.

July 16 – Levi Hopkins

Palmer wrestler Levi Hopkins bet on himself, which his how he went from Alaska State Champion to U23 Pan-American Gold medalist.

July 24 – Coen Niclai

Coen Niclai’s talent couldn’t be ignored any longer. His power at the plate as a hitter — and poise behind it as a catcher — had to be witnessed by MLB scouts in person. This spring, scouts from organizations like the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins made the trip to the Last Frontier to watch the Service senior in action.

July 26 – Alev Kelter

After trips to both Rio and Tokyo, Eagle River rugby plater Alev Kelter for Paris in pursuit of an Olympic medal.

July 30 – Kendall Kramer and David Norris

Coming off top-two finishes at Mount Marathon 2024, this pair of Fairbanks runners tore up the mud-soaked course in Alyeska.

Aug. 6 – Alaska’s Olympians

The state of Alaska occupies an Olympic podium all on its own following the 2024 Paris Games.

Aug. 15 – Keira DeLand

Keira DeLand is swapping out Alaska’s mountains for the rolling hills of Tennessee. Leaving the state on a golf scholarship.

Aug. 20 – Taurian and Cassidy Phillip

Taurian and Cassidy Phillip exploded onto the scene for Service High in Week 1 of the Alaska high school football season.

Aug. 28 – Deuce and Simeon Alailefaleula

Over two decades ago, Tui Alailefaleula was the Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Bartlett Golden Bears. Now, son, Deuce, and nephew, Simeon, are eager to add to the family legacy.

Sept. 3 – Kade Russell

The latest in a long line of athletes, Kade Russell showed he can live up to the family name vs Barrow.

Sept. 10 – Cayden Pili

Living up to his family legacy, junior quarterback Cayden Pili lead Dimond football to heights not seen in decades.

Sept. 17 – Nolan Farr

Eagle River’s Nolan Farr is Alaska’s only 3-star prospect and has the Wolves on the prowl in the second half of the season.

Sept. 24 – East Anchorage Football

East Anchorage outlasted Bartlett 50-48 in a six-overtime thriller to retain “The Boot” trophy in honor of Aano Filaoialii.

Oct. 2 – Katahdin Staples

Katahdin Staples is one of the fastest long-distance runners in the state as a sophomore, making history as East Anchorage’s first state cross-country champion since 1974.

Oct. 8 – 2024 XC state championship winners

Hundreds of the Alaska’s top prep runners competed at the 2024 Cross Country State Championship Meet with these athletes outrunning expectations Saturday on the Bartlett Trails.

Oct. 15 – Ronan Bickling and Emerson Cross

The Seward duo helped lead the Seahawks to their second state title in as many years.

Oct. 21 – Jaxon Snaric

Homer’s Jaxon Snaric was born with Poland syndrome, but that didn’t prevent him from making the biggest play in the Div. III state championship game.

Oct. 28 – Lokeni Wong

Following losses to the Lathrop Malamutes in both his freshman and sophomore years, Soldotna’s Lokeni Wong helped the Stars avenge their First National Bowl woes in the 2024 Division II state title game.

Nov. 4 – Roberto Henriquez and Jackson Stimple

Trailing 4-2 with a period left to play, a pair of Anchorage Wolverines skaters helped bring the team back into the win column.

Nov. 11 – Wes Mank

Eagle River’s Wes Mank reset the boys 100-yard backstroke swimming state record with a time of 48.65 seconds, breaking the previous record set by him at the 2023 state meet.

Nov. 18 – Nikiski Volleyball

The Nikiski volleyball program completed an improbable run through the Class 3A state tournament by dethroning the Kenai Kardinals in an “if-necessary” match.

Nov. 25 – Kadyn Osborne

Finishing her career in the same building where she once competed for state titles, UAA’s Kadyn Osborne is leaving the court with one last victory.

Dec. 2 – Taisetsu Ushio

He first caught the Wolverines’ attention because of his goal-scoring prowess. Now, he’s one of the best players on an Anchorage team looking to get back to the Robertson Cup Playoffs.

Dec. 9 – Teagan Lockwood

Teagan Lockwood, 22, was chosen to represent the United States at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy.

Dec. 16 – Bishop Tosi and Hasaan Herrington

Growing up as opponents on the East side of Anchorage, Bishop Tosi and Hasaan Herrington have teamed up to star for their hometown University.

Dec. 24 – Keasiya Luedde

A year ago, Service hadn’t celebrated a state champion wrestler since 2016. Now, the program has two in the last two seasons.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.