Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Struck by Fish Dropped by Eagle Near Juneau Airport in 1987 Incident
On March 30, 1987, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-200, piloted by Bill Morin and Bill Johnson, was struck by a fish shortly after taking off from Juneau, Alaska. The incident occurred when a bald eagle, carrying a fish, crossed the aircraft's path. The eagle either dropped its prey in surprise or lost it while swerving away, causing the fish to hit the jet near the cockpit. The Associated Press reported the impact occurred on a small window at the top of the cockpit, while Alaska Airlines described the location as just behind the cockpit window. The eagle was reportedly unharmed. Maintenance control instructed the crew to continue to their next stop in Yakutat, where a mechanic inspected the aircraft. The inspection revealed no damage, only a greasy spot and some fish scales, resulting in an approximately one-hour delay. The type of fish was never definitively identified, with suggestions ranging from salmon to cod or a Dolly Varden char.
