CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An American Airlines flight leaving Charlotte hit a deer while attempting to take off Wednesday.
American flight 5320, bound for Gulfport, Mississippi hit a deer on takeoff and then immediately returned for landing, according to American Airlines officials. Officials say the plane was leaking fuel after the collision.
Officials say 44 passengers were on the plane during the incident. All of the passengers were safely removed from the plane, according to American Airlines.
Major delays at Charlotte Douglas after a plane hit a deer, closing two runways.
A post shared by Chris LeClere (@christopherleclere) on
Plane hits deer at @CLTAirport Everyone OK but traffic at a standstill. pic.twitter.com/CSa1lKKGQ7
— Greg Potts (@gpotts5626) February 15, 2017
American says passengers are being taken off damaged plane with a bus.
— Mark Boyle (@WCNCmboyle) February 15, 2017
Airport open and operational. RWY 18L-36R closed while #CLT officials assist aircraft after reported deer strike. Aircraft landed safely.
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) February 15, 2017
American Eagle flight hit the deer as it was accelerating down Rwy36. pic.twitter.com/I0JmP9KlRz
— Flight Alerts ⚠ (@FlightAlerts777) February 15, 2017
Please stick with WCNC.com as more details become available.