
American Airlines Jet Lands Safely After Bird Strike Causes Engine Flames
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (VINnews) — An American Airlines Boeing 737 returned safely to Myrtle Beach Monday after a bird strike shortly after takeoff caused severe engine vibrations and flames visible from the aircraft.
Flight 1760 was headed to Charlotte, North Carolina, with 172 passengers and nine crew members when the crew reported an engine problem and requested an emergency return to the airport.
Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot declaring an emergency shortly after departure. Passenger video showed flashes and flames near the left engine as the aircraft continued over the coast.
A second pilot monitoring the flight reported seeing birds strike the engine. Airport personnel later found bird remains on the runway.
American Airlines said the aircraft landed safely and was removed from service for a detailed inspection. Passengers were transferred to another aircraft for the remainder of their trip.
No injuries were reported.
Passengers said the plane shook noticeably after the bird strike but praised the flight crew for remaining calm and quickly returning the aircraft to the airport.
Initial information indicated the flames were caused by birds entering the engine and did not indicate a continuing engine fire.