An American Airlines flight returned to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for an emergency landing after its crew reported the jet hit a flock of birds on takeoff.
The Federal Aviation Administration reports American Airlines Flight 1188 landed safely Friday night after its crew reported the bird strike. The MD-82 jet was flying from DFW to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
The flight quickly returned after hitting the birds on takeoff.
A spokesperson for American Airlines said the plane departed at 6:23 p.m. and returned to DFW Airport at 7:20 p.m.
One passenger, who chose to identity himself only as Matt, said there was no panic on the flight. He said it smelled like burning rubber when the plane hit the flock of birds. The pilot did inform passengers about what happened, he said.
Flight attendants told passengers the plane was returning to DFW Airport as a precaution. In a statement, the FAA also said the return was a precautionary measure.
All passengers were transferred to a new plane and departed at 8:30 p.m.
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There were 123 passengers and five crew members on board the flight, an American Airlines spokesperson said.
The FAA reported minor damage to the left engine of the plane, and said American Airlines crews continue to inspect the aircraft for damage.
NBC 5 DFW's Scott Gordon contributed to this report.
