Plane hits deer during takeoff in Charlotte, N.C.

Returns to airport safely, all 44 passengers unharmed

A plane carrying 44 passengers struck a deer during takeoff Wednesday morning at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, according to media reports.

WSOC-TV reports the American Eagle CRJ 700 returned to the airport safely, and all 44 passengers and four crew members were evacuated from the plane and taken by bus back to the terminal. No one was injured.

Fuel was leaking from the aircraft, and passengers deplaned on the runway and firetrucks hosed the plane down.

The plane was headed to Gulfport, Miss.