Navajo hit alligator at Orlando - Curt Lewis

Pilot hits alligator while landing plane at Orlando Executive Airport

A local pilot hit an 11-foot alligator which was crossing runway 7/25 at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL). I was told the pilot was flying a Navajo and the gator jumped up and struck the wing during his landing. The gator was killed instantly and the aircraft sustained damage to the wing. One of the craziest things I've ever seen in all my years in aviation.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Only in Florida: A pilot fatally struck an alligator last week while landing a plane at Orlando Executive Airport.

The pilot said his plane hit the gator, but he wouldn't provide further details because he said the Federal Aviation Administration is still investigating the incident.

Another pilot, Brad Pierce, posted a photo on Facebook, calling the incident "one of the craziest things I've ever seen in all my years in aviation."