An American Airlines bird strike sent flames from an engine and triggered a frightening mayday call over South Carolina.
American Airlines Flight 1760 made a safe emergency landing Monday after striking birds shortly after leaving Myrtle Beach International Airport.
The Boeing 737-800 was traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina. American Airlines said 172 passengers and nine crew members were aboard.
No injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the incident.
Pilot Declares Mayday After Takeoff
The flight left Myrtle Beach at about 8:11 a.m. local time on August 10. The pilots reported an engine problem within minutes.
“Mayday, mayday, mayday. We have got an engine problem,” a pilot said in an air traffic recording published by LiveATC.
Another pilot in the area reported seeing birds enter the left engine. Airport workers later found bird remains and debris on the runway.
The FAA said the plane returned to Myrtle Beach at about 8:40 a.m. Emergency crews waited near the runway as the aircraft approached.
Passenger Records Flames Under Wing
Passenger Patrick Gotwalt recorded flames and bright flashes coming from beneath the plane’s left wing. The alarming footage quickly spread online.
Lindsey Mackey, who watched from the ground, told CNN that she heard several loud popping sounds. She then noticed orange flashes near the aircraft’s left wing.
The flashes did not necessarily mean the engine had a continuing internal fire. Early inspection information indicated that investigators had not found evidence of a sustained engine fire.
Bird ingestion can disrupt airflow inside a jet engine. That disruption may cause loud bangs and brief flames known as compressor stalls.
Aircraft Returns Safely
The pilots turned the aircraft around and safely returned to the departure airport. The plane remained in the air for less than 30 minutes.
American Airlines removed the Boeing 737-800 from service so maintenance teams could inspect it.
“The aircraft landed safely and has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” the airline said.
The company placed the travelers aboard a replacement aircraft bound for Charlotte. American Airlines thanked the crew for its professionalism and passengers for their understanding.
FAA Opens Bird Strike Investigation
The FAA will investigate the event and review the damage, flight information and crew response. Investigators will also work to confirm what caused the engine malfunction.
Bird remains recovered from aircraft incidents may be sent to specialists for identification. Knowing the species can help airports improve wildlife control and reduce future hazards.
The FAA maintains a national wildlife strike database and works with airports to manage risks near runways. More information is available through the FAA wildlife hazard program.
The investigation remains open. Therefore, the bird strike should be described as the reported trigger until federal authorities release their findings.
Bird Strikes Are Common but Rarely Disastrous
Thousands of wildlife strikes occur in the United States each year. Most cause little or no damage, but strikes near engines can create serious problems.
Commercial aircraft can continue flying with one functioning engine. Pilots also train for engine failures, bird strikes and emergency returns.
The flight crew’s mayday call gave the aircraft priority and alerted emergency services. A mayday signals serious danger requiring immediate assistance.
The frightening video captured a dangerous moment, but the outcome remained controlled. Every passenger and crew member returned safely, while investigators began determining exactly what happened.