DCA17CA064

Factual narrative

On February 15, 2017, at about 1142 eastern standard time, a PSA Airlines flight 5320, a Bombardier CRJ700, N709PS, struck a deer during takeoff from runway 36C at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina. The airplane sustained substantial damage. There were no injuries to the 48 passengers and crew onboard. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight from CLT to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), Gulfport, Mississippi. According to the operator, the airplane struck a deer with its right wing during the takeoff roll. The crew continued the takeoff and declared an emergency. Before returning to land, the flight crew conducted a low pass down runway 36R, for the airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) to inspect the damage. ARFF observed damage to the right wing and reported vapor coming from it. After landing on runway 36R, the flight crew elected to stop on the taxiway due to the fuel leak, where passengers were evacuated and bused them to the terminal. Post flight examination of the wing found damage substantial damage to the leading edge slats, slat tracks, flaps, and front spar of the right wing. On February 15, 2017, at about 1142 eastern standard time, a PSA Airlines flight 5320, a Bombardier CRJ700, N709PS, struck a deer during takeoff from runway 36C at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina. The airplane sustained substantial damage. There were no injuries to the 48 passengers and crew onboard.   The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight from CLT to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), Gulfport, Mississippi. According to the operator, the airplane struck a deer with its right wing during the takeoff roll.  The crew continued the takeoff and declared an emergency.  Before returning to land, the flight crew conducted a low pass down runway 36R, for the airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) to inspect the damage. ARFF observed damage to the right wing and reported vapor coming from it. After landing on runway 36R, the flight crew elected to stop on the taxiway due to the fuel leak, where passengers were evacuated and bused them to the terminal. Post flight examination of the wing found damage substantial damage to the leading edge slats, slat tracks, flaps, and front spar of the right wing. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C