American Airlines flight forced to turn back after striking bird

An American Airlines flight bound for Phoenix was forced to make an emergency landing Sunday after striking a bird. 

The incident happened around 8 a.m. shortly after Flight 1958 left the John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. The flight was headed for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. 

American Airlines Boeing 787-9 takes off from Los Angeles international Airport

FILE: American Airlines Boeing 787-9 takes off from Los Angeles international Airport on January 13, 2021, in Los Angeles, California.  (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“American Airlines flight 1958, with service from Columbus (CMH) to Phoenix (PHX) returned to CMH shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue,” American Airlines said in a statement to FOX Television Stations. 

The airline said the plane landed normally and taxied safely to the gate under its own power. 

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“The aircraft was taken out of service for maintenance and our team is working to get customers back on their to PHX,” AA said, adding: “Safety is our top priority, and we thank our customers for their understanding.” 

CMH said emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at the airport involving a “reported engine fire.” 

The airport later corrected that tweet, writing: “the aircraft experienced mechanical issues, not an engine fire.” 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating. 

A video of the bird strike has made the rounds online. The aircraft can be seen with flames coming out of one of the engines mid-flight. 

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Earlier this month a Delta Air Lines flight in New York was forced to abort its trip and return to the tarmac after an unfortunate run-in with a bird.

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