A Canadair CRJ-700 operated by PSA Airlines struck a deer during takeoff from Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport on Wednesday morning. In an air traffic control recording (full audio from LiveATC.net below), the pilot and the tower controller discuss an unidentified “loud bang” heard by the pilots, which the pilot of another aircraft reported as a deer strike. PSA 5320 (call sign, Blue Streak 5320), operating as American Eagle, circled once for a low approach to confirm the extent of any damage to the landing gear, then returned for landing. The right wing was damaged by impact with the deer resulting in significant fuel leakage. Local news reports that all 44 passengers and four crew members were uninjured during the precautionary evacuation conducted just off Runway 36R.
