Flight Aborts Takeoff After Plane Hits Deer on Runway

An American Airlines regional flight was forced to abort takeoff Tuesday after the plane struck a deer at a Pennsylvania airport.

According to PennLive.com, the American Eagle Embraer ERJ 145 was carrying 43 passengers when it was preparing to take off for Philadelphia from Williamsport Regional Airport in Montoursville at around 6 a.m. ET.

As the plane was heading down the runway, a deer ran in front of the flight and was struck, killing the animal instantly. None of the passengers or crew members onboard at the time reported any injuries.

Airport executive director Thomas J. Hart told the media the plane received only minor damage but was taken out of service until it could be thoroughly checked at a maintenance facility.

Passengers were deplaned and either rebooked on a later flight or made other travel arrangements. Hart revealed it has been years since a deer was seen at the airport and it likely jumped the perimeter fence to get on the property.