An American Airlines flight had an unexpected and alarming moment on Thursday when a bird struck one of its engines shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York. Flight 1722 was en route to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina when the bird collided with the turbine, creating a brief fireball and causing noticeable engine strain. The plane immediately veered slightly, but the crew responded quickly.
The plane made an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport, not far from LaGuardia. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that the right engine was disabled, but the plane’s secondary engine continued to function, allowing for a safe landing.
American Airlines confirmed there were no injuries and praised the crew for handling the situation professionally.
