Southwest airplane hits coyote while taking off from RDU

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Southwest Airlines 737 leaving Raleigh-Durham International Airport collided with a coyote on the runway while taking off Tuesday night.

It was Southwest flight 1221, flying from RDU to Chicago's Midway Airport.

SEE ALSO: Coyote sightings in North Carolina on the rise this fall

After takeoff, it circled the Triangle for about 45 minutes and then landed safely at RDU about 8 p.m.

Once on the ground, the aircraft taxied to a gate under its own power.

A Southwest Airlines spokesperson told ABC11 that there were no injuries reported among the 149 passengers and six crewmembers onboard.

The FAA is investigating the incident.