Unexpected Wildlife Management Forces Pilot’s Quick Thinking

Routine flight turns into an unexpected learning experience.

Wednesday, February 04, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

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The author says what should have been a routine landing turned into an unforgettable encounter. [Illustration: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots flying into rural, nontowered airports must expand their scan for wildlife, especially at dusk, and maintain vigilance until the aircraft is fully secured.
Ensure emergency communication devices (e.g., cell phones) are fully charged and functional, and pre-program essential contacts like airport managers for immediate access during an incident.
Meticulously verify aircraft insurance policies, both printed and online, to confirm current in-flight coverage and avoid critical misunderstandings after an accident.

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My background in aviation started when I was quite young, and my dad took me up in his new-to-him Cessna 150.

My dad and I didn’t connect on many things throughout my childhood, but I’ll always remember that first flight with him when it was just us, and he showed me the basics of flying an airplane. He’d point things out on the ground, but I couldn’t recognize them from the air. It didn’t matter though, because I was flying.