Overview
- Shortly after takeoff from Myrtle Beach on Monday, Flight 1760 struck a flock of birds, the pilot declared “mayday,” and visible flames were captured on passenger and eyewitness video as the crew circled and returned to land safely.
- Air traffic control recordings and airport operations crews corroborated the strike, and workers found and removed a significant amount of bird remains from the runway before the plane returned.
- The Boeing 737 taxied to the gate under its own power, all 172 passengers deplaned with no injuries, and American Airlines rebooked travelers onto a replacement aircraft.
- American has taken the jet out of service for maintenance inspection and said there was no indication of an internal engine fire on landing; the FAA said it will investigate the incident.
- Bird strikes are common and tracked events that are analyzed by collecting remains known as “snarge,” which are often sent to Smithsonian labs to identify species and guide airport wildlife controls during high-risk summer and fall months.