The CRJ regional jet, operated by sister brand American Eagle, began leaking fuel following the collision, according to reports.
The flight was heading for Gulfport-Biloxi in Mississippi but declared an emergency and returned to Charlotte.
A fly-past of the airport confirmed the aircraft was leaking fuel and emergency teams were scrambled. The jet was sprayed with foam as it came to a halt and all 44 passengers and four crew members evacuated without injury.