A United Airlines passenger jet struck a coyote on the runway during takeoff in Chicago, forcing the flight to return to O’Hare International Airport to have the landing gear examined.

The United Airlines aircraft was carrying 167 passengers when it struck a coyote on Sunday, Jan. 12 in Chicago, the airline confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement

United Airlines told CBS News Chicago Tuesday that on Sunday morning, flight 1727 was about to take off when its landing gear struck a coyote.

Image via Shutterstock If you thought that story about a wild coyote in an Aldi was going to be the craziest coyote-themed story this week, then oh boy, do I have a tale for you? United Airlines passengers were terrified after their flight ended up striking a wild coyote while trying to take off.

The landing gear of a United 737 hit a coyote as the plane took off Sunday morning for Phoenix. The plane turned around and safely landed back at O’Hare. The passengers and crew switched planes and left again later in the day.

A United Airlines flight struck a coyote on the runway during takeoff from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, forcing the jet to return to the airport.

CHICAGO (WLS/CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) - A United Airlines flight returned to the airport after striking a coyote during takeoff. A United Airlines flight was forced to return to Chicago O'Hare Airport on Sunday after the aircraft struck a coyote during takeoff.

A United Airlines flight struck a coyote while attempting to take off from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport over the weekend, the airline confirmed Tuesday.