A US flight experienced a close call with a flock of geese, forcing it to return to the airport shortly after takeoff.

An American Airlines flight had to turn back mid-flight when one of its engines caught fire after colliding with a flock of geese approximately 30 minutes post-takeoff in Ohio. The Sunday morning incident was captured in a dramatic video showing Flight 1958, bound for Phoenix, making an alarming return to John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, with flames and smoke billowing from the right engine. Thankfully, the plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

The FAA stated that the plane departed the airport at around 7:43 am on Sunday, April 23, and the engine caught fire less than 30 minutes into the flight. The airport received notification of a bird strike at around 8 am. Passengers on board described hearing a loud clunking sound, and shortly after, the pilot informed them that they had collided with a flock of geese a few minutes after takeoff. Following the safe landing, the airline escorted passengers off the disabled plane and onto another flight.

Photos captured after the incident depict airport security and firefighters responding to the scene to put out the engine fire and examine the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration announced it had initiated an investigation into the incident. Despite the frightening event, the airport remained operational and continued its normal activities.

Neither the airport nor American Airlines responded immediately to media inquiries for comment. This event occurred three days after another American Airlines flight engine ignited during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas Airport, North Carolina. In that instance, the wing of the Airbus A321 flight to Dallas was engulfed in flames as the plane sped down the runway. Fortunately, first responders quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. After a thorough investigation, authorities determined that a mechanical engine failure was the cause of the fire.