An Alaska Airlines flight struck and killed a deer while landing at the Sonoma County Airport on Wednesday evening, an airline official confirmed.
The unusual deer collision occurred as the plane was landing but before it hit the ground. The plane landed safely but the animal died.
Bobbie Egan, a spokeswoman with Alaska Airlines, said she was told the passengers were “largely unaware of what happened.”
Flight 457 originated in Seattle and was making a stop in Santa Rosa before heading to Los Angeles. The flight’s passengers were rerouted to other planes.
Egan said the plane itself was thoroughly inspected and the only damage was to the tires, which were replaced. The plane returned to service Thursday morning.
SF Gate