Pilatus: Tower, we think we just hit Rocky the Squirrel half way down the runway.
Tower: I thought I saw a pink mist down there. Is your plane OK?
Pilatus: Seems we’re fine, but its not been a good day for Rocky.
Tower: Let’s just hope Bullwinkle doesn’t come looking…
(10 minutes later)
Airport 1: Taxi 31 for squirrel removal.
Unknown voice: Do you have an approved squirrel cage for that squirrel?
Airport 1: Uh… I’m afraid this is more of a shovel operation.
Tower: Cherokee ###, extend downwind. We’re scraping up the squirrel.
Short Final…
Key Takeaways:
- A Pilatus aircraft fatally struck a squirrel on the runway, causing a brief disruption to airport operations.
- The incident prompted lighthearted banter between the pilot and tower, referencing "Rocky the Squirrel" and "Bullwinkle."
- Airport ground staff were dispatched for "squirrel removal," describing it as a "shovel operation" due to the animal's condition.
- Air traffic control had to extend another aircraft's downwind to allow for the cleanup of the runway.
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