No one was injured.

Officials said the pilot was permitted to hold the weapon under the Federal Flight Deck Officer plan, managed by the Transportation Security Administration, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported.

Terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, prompted the program's creation, which permits certain pilots, flight engineers and navigators to carry firearms for protection, the administration's Web site states.

The plane, which was carrying two pilots, three flight attendants and 124 passengers, safely touched down at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, the newspaper said. No injuries were reported in connection with the Saturday incident.

"Federal Air Marshals Service take this matter seriously and it is receiving immediate attention," the administration said in a statement. The pilot was not named.