FORT WORTH- An American Airlines (AA) flight bound for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) was forced to return to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) shortly after takeoff on Monday after the crew reported an engine problem caused by a bird strike.
The aircraft landed safely without injuries after the pilots declared a Mayday. American Airlines (AA) confirmed the aircraft has been removed from service for inspection, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the incident.
American Airlines Flight Returns After Bird Strike
American Airlines Flight departed from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) on Monday morning for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) when it encountered a bird strike during its initial climb.
According to the airline, the impact damaged one of the aircraft’s engines, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and request an immediate return to Myrtle Beach.
The aircraft landed safely and taxied back to the terminal under its own power. Myrtle Beach International Airport confirmed there were no injuries and passengers exited the aircraft normally at the gate.
American Airlines later stated that the aircraft had been removed from service for a full maintenance inspection before returning to operations, ABC News reported.
Pilots Declared Mayday During Emergency
Air traffic control recordings obtained from LiveATC.net captured the pilots declaring an emergency shortly after departure.
The captain transmitted:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. We’ve got an engine problem.”
The crew requested priority handling to return to Myrtle Beach while controllers coordinated the emergency response.
During runway inspections after the aircraft departed, airport personnel discovered a significant amount of bird remains and feathers, confirming that the aircraft had struck birds during takeoff.
The debris was removed before the aircraft safely returned and landed.
Witnesses Reported Smoke From Left Engine
According to the ATC recordings, another pilot in the area informed controllers that smoke was visible coming from the American Airlines aircraft’s left engine after it flew through a flock of birds.
Emergency responders inspected the aircraft immediately after landing.
American Airlines said inspectors found no evidence of fire or fluid leaks despite the visible smoke reported during the event.
The airline also confirmed it was arranging alternative transportation for the 172 passengers so they could continue their journey to Charlotte as quickly as possible.
FAA to Investigate Bird Strike Incident
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the occurrence, which is standard procedure for significant in-flight emergencies involving commercial aircraft.
Bird strikes remain one of the most common wildlife hazards in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing when aircraft operate at lower altitudes where birds are most active.
According to a U.S. government report released this month, civilian aircraft recorded 20,876 bird strikes across the United States during 2024.
While most bird strikes result in minor damage, impacts involving aircraft engines can require emergency procedures, inspections, and aircraft repairs to ensure continued operational safety.
The latest American Airlines incident highlights the importance of established emergency protocols and rapid coordination between flight crews, air traffic controllers, airport operations, and maintenance teams in responding to wildlife-related aviation events.
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