An American Airlines flight carrying 172 passengers returned safely to Myrtle Beach International Airport on Monday after a bird strike damaged an engine shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was headed to Charlotte, North Carolina, when the crew declared an emergency and requested an immediate return to the airport.
No injuries were reported. American Airlines removed the aircraft from service for inspection, while the Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation into the incident.
Bird Strike Disrupts Flight to Charlotte
The American Airlines flight departed Myrtle Beach International Airport for Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Monday morning. During its initial climb, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds, according to information provided by the airline and airport officials.
The impact damaged one of the aircraft’s engines, prompting the pilots to notify air traffic controllers and request priority clearance to return to Myrtle Beach.
Despite the engine problem, the crew maintained control of the aircraft and completed a safe landing. The plane then taxied to the terminal under its own power.
Myrtle Beach International Airport said there were no injuries and that passengers exited normally at the gate. The successful return allowed emergency personnel to inspect the aircraft immediately after it reached the ground.
Pilots Declare Emergency Over Engine Problem
Air traffic control recordings obtained from LiveATC.net captured the flight crew declaring an emergency shortly after departure.
The captain transmitted:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. We’ve got an engine problem.”
Controllers provided priority handling while coordinating with airport emergency services and operations personnel. The aircraft was directed back toward Myrtle Beach as crews prepared for its arrival.
Airport workers also inspected the runway after the departure. During that inspection, personnel discovered a significant quantity of bird remains and feathers, confirming that the aircraft had struck birds during takeoff. The debris was removed before the American Airlines flight returned to land.
Witness Reports Smoke From Left Engine
According to the air traffic control recordings, another pilot operating in the area reported seeing smoke coming from the American Airlines aircraft’s left engine after it passed through the flock.
Emergency responders examined the aircraft after landing. American Airlines said inspectors found no evidence of a fire or fluid leakage, despite the visible smoke reported during the incident.
The airline subsequently removed the aircraft from service for a comprehensive maintenance inspection, ABC News reported. The inspection will determine the extent of the engine damage and what repairs are required before the plane can return to commercial operations.
American Airlines also began arranging alternative transportation for the 172 passengers affected by the disruption. The carrier said it was working to help them continue their journey to Charlotte as quickly as possible.
FAA Opens Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation, a standard step following a significant in-flight emergency involving a commercial aircraft. The review is expected to examine the circumstances of the bird strike, the resulting engine damage and the emergency response.
Bird strikes are among the most frequently reported wildlife hazards in commercial aviation. They occur most often during takeoff and landing, when aircraft are flying at lower altitudes where bird activity is more common.
A U.S. government report released this month found that civilian aircraft recorded 20,876 bird strikes nationwide in 2024. Most incidents cause limited or no damage, but strikes involving engines can produce serious operational problems and require emergency landings, detailed inspections and repairs.
Coordinated Response Prevents Injuries
The Myrtle Beach incident demonstrates the role of established emergency procedures in managing wildlife-related aviation hazards. Coordination among the pilots, air traffic controllers, airport operations teams, first responders and maintenance personnel enabled the aircraft to return safely without reported injuries.
The investigation and maintenance inspection will provide further information about the engine damage and the circumstances surrounding the strike. The aircraft will remain out of service until American Airlines determines that it is safe to resume operations.
