A 149-passenger plane headed to Chicago had to make a quick landing minutes after take off when it hit a coyote on the runway, media outlets reported.
Flight 1221 with Southwest Airlines was leaving Raleigh-Durham International Airport on Tuesday night when it hit the animal, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner. The plane was going to Chicago’s Midway Airport.
After takeoff, the plane circled around the Triangle for about 45 minutes and then landed safely back at RDU about 8 p.m.
There were no injuries among passengers or the six-person crew reported on board, ABC11 reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, ABC11 reported.
The N&O is working to find out if there was any damage to the plane and more information about the collision with the animal.
This is a developing story.
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