Plane returns to Raleigh-Durham airport after hitting coyote

Southwest Airlines Flight #1221 had been on its way to Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday but returned to the North Carolina airport about 8 p.m. for an inspection, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority said it landed safely without incident.

An FAA report released in June said there had been 37 wildlife strikes so far in 2022 at RDU. 2018 had the highest number of strikes with 54. There have been seven coyote strikes at RDU since 2013.

"We hit it pretty much on center line," a pilot said.

"Coyotes have no idea what an airplane is and they would also not be prepared for how fast that they move," said Dr. Tara Harrison with the NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine. "The animals that are being hit, like deer, coyote, Canada geese, their populations are increasing and they're also increasing in areas where people are."

RDU has a wildlife management plan to reduce the danger that animals face around the airport. Part of that plan includes keeping the airfield grass cut short to keep birds from flocking there.

The flight crew had alerted the air traffic control tower of a potential wildlife strike during takeoff. Upon landing, the aircraft taxied to a nearby gate for a maintenance review, Southwest Airlines spokesperson Alyssa Foster said in a statement to The Associated Press.

The aircraft was later cleared to continue the journey to Chicago. Foster said 149 passengers and six crew members were on board, and no one was injured.

The FAA is continuing to investigate the incident.