A United Airlines 737 Max flight disappeared for 40 minutes after hitting a coyote on the runway.

• The Federal Aviation Administration and United Airlines confirmed that a United Airlines plane struck a coyote during takeoff.

• The Boeing 737 Max returned to Chicago and landed 40 minutes after takeoff.

• The likelihood of wildlife attacks has increased “dramatically” in recent years as planes become quieter.

A United Airlines plane was on a 40-minute flight after it struck a coyote on the runway.

The Boeing 737 Max was taking off from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport on its way to Phoenix when the accident occurred on Monday.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the plane “struck a coyote upon takeoff.” The plane’s right front landing gear was damaged, it added.

It was classified as minor damage, according to the FAA notice.

United confirmed the incident to Business Insider, saying the plane, flight 1727, “returned safely to Chicago O’Hare International Airport for inspection after striking a coyote in its landing gear during takeoff.”

United said there were 167 passengers and six crew members on board the plane. There were no reports of injuries.

Data from Flightradar24 showed the plane took off normally, climbed to about 6,000 feet, and then turned around.

The plane circled twice and returned to Chicago about 40 minutes after takeoff.

Audio recordings archived by LiveATC.net show air traffic control confirming to the pilot that the equipment was ready for inspection when the plane landed.

According to Flightradar24, the incident did not have much impact on the airline because the 737 Max took off again four hours later.

The Chicago Department of Aviation did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.

Airports have wildlife management plans in place because animals can pose a risk to aircraft – although birds are often the main problem.

The FAA says the likelihood of wildlife attacks has “increased dramatically” in recent years, not only because of increases in animal numbers but also because newer aircraft have quieter engines.

Read the original article on Business Insider