Private Jet Makes Emergency Landing After Striking Deer at Florida Airport

All passengers escaped unharmed after the plane hit multiple deer during takeoff at North Palm Beach County Aviation Airport.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A private jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Palm Beach International Airport after striking multiple deer during takeoff from North Palm Beach County Aviation Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, which resulted in minor damage to the plane but no injuries to the passengers.

Why it matters

Wildlife strikes on runways, particularly with larger animals like deer, pose a serious risk to aircraft and passenger safety. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge airports face in keeping runways clear of wildlife and the need for continued vigilance and safety protocols.

The details

According to the FAA, the private jet struck several deer while taking off from North Palm Beach County Aviation Airport. The pilot was able to land the plane safely at Palm Beach International Airport, where first responders were staged. The FAA is now investigating the incident.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday evening.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

North Palm Beach County Aviation Airport

A public airport located in North Palm Beach, Florida.

Palm Beach International Airport

A public airport serving the Palm Beach, Florida metropolitan area.

Michael Leighton

A local pilot and flight instructor who provided expert commentary on the incident.

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What they’re saying

“It is an extremely, extremely rare event, like getting hit by lightning or getting bit by a shark. It's not something that happens. You could fly your whole life, your entire life. I've got 16,000 flight hours, that's two full years off the surface of the Earth, and I've never hit an animal with an airplane. Can it happen? Sure. Is it likely to happen? Probably not.”

— Michael Leighton, Pilot and Flight Instructor (WPBF)

“Clearly, you don't want to do anything that's going to cause you to crash. Sometimes it's better to hit the animal and not be in the air when you do it, than to try and lift the plane off early, for example, to miss it, and then create a flight hazard to yourself because the plane wasn't ready to fly.”

— Michael Leighton, Pilot and Flight Instructor (WPBF)

“I tell my students, look, whatever you hit, whether it's a bird or deer, it may damage the plane. I don't care. We can fix the plane. I just don't want you to get hurt.”

— Michael Leighton, Pilot and Flight Instructor (WPBF)

What’s next

The FAA will continue its investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and any necessary safety improvements at the airport.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenge airports face in keeping runways clear of wildlife and the need for continued vigilance and safety protocols to protect aircraft and passengers. While wildlife strikes are rare, they can have serious consequences, underscoring the importance of proper training and decision-making for pilots when faced with such situations.