An American Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after taking off from Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday morning.
One eyewitnesses said they saw “major engine issues just after take off.”
Ohio’s John Glenn Columbus International Airport later confirmed that American Airlines Flight 1958, flying from Columbus to Phoenix, had to make the emergency landing back at the airport around 40 minutes after take off after a reported engine fire.
According to FlightAware, the plane took off around 7:45 a.m., but around 8 a.m. was seen to have diverted off its expected flight path and was hovering over the Upper Arlington area. It was then seen returning back to the airport.
Flames were reported to be visible from right engine of the plane. Videos of the smokey landing have been shared widely on social media.
According to a statement from the airline, pilots suspect that the plane hit a flock of geese shortly after take off.
American Airlines said the aircraft had experienced “mechanical issues” and not an engine fire.
“The flight landed normally and taxied safely to the gate under its own power,” it added. “The aircraft was taken out of service for maintenance and our team is working to get customers back on their way to PHX. Safety is our top priority and we thank our customers for their understanding.”
Apart from the apparent bird strike, no one was injured by the incident, the airport said, although passengers bound for Phoenix, Arizona, were delayed by over seven hours.
The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the matter.
According to flight safety site JACDEC, the plane was a Boeing 737-800 (N972NN) built in 2015.
The airport thanked emergency crews for their quick response.
“The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational,” it added in a statement.
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