MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- DEER ON THE RUNWAY!!

 Back in the day of NorthCentral Airlines, flying to northern cities in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin had it's challenges- not only with weather but with wild life!

One Autumn day I was flying on a Convair 580 turbo prop to Muskegon, Michigan.  I always loved the approach to that airport. It was a bit of a thrill!  We would follow the Muskegon River, then up and over the trees and there would be the runway.  

The view on the approach was always spectacular, especially in the Fall!

On this particular flight we came up over the tree line but didn't land.  There was a whole herd of deer on the runway! We did a "go around".

The Captain got on the p.a. and announced the issue, saying the ground crew was trying to run them off the runway with vehicles.

We circled for a bit, then made another approach.  Again our landing was aborted. The herd would move but return again, making landing impossible.

Now we came over the runway at low altitude, scattering the deer as we approached.  This was making for a thrilling ride! I think we passed over the runway a couple of times before making our landing!

The Captain later told me that as we landed a buck was running  the length of the runway, as if trying to race the aircraft!

Since it was early morning and we were on our way to Chicago, we were all a bit concerned about our schedule, since several passengers had connections to catch.

Now came the challenge of taking off! We taxied to the end of the runway.  A ground agent got in a truck and ran the length of the runway, blowing his horn, again chasing deer. Twice he drove at high speed down the length of the runway!  

Finally we ran up the engines and were on our way! Or so I thought! We were taxing up and down the runway at high speed.  On our third run we finally took off.  

The passengers cheered as we became airborne! 

This brought on all sorts of stories from the cockpit of Geese, Pheasants, Ducks, Deer, and even a Wolf that caused considerable trouble to aviators.

And at least one passenger mentioned "Venison Stew" as a good solution to the problem!  

If I remember correctly, we made good time going into Chicago, landing only a few minutes late.

I don't remember any other approach quite like the one on that Autumn day when modern aviation was so disrupted by Mother Nature! But it did make for a fun memory!

Until next time, Dear Readers!

Life Is Indeed An Adventure!  And The Best Laid Plans Can Be Interrupted By Stubborn Wildlife!