Bird strike forces Charlotte-bound flight to return to Myrtle Beach airport

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — An American Airlines flight headed to Charlotte made a safe return to Myrtle Beach on Monday after a bird strike shortly after takeoff.

No injuries were reported among the 172 passengers on board.

American Airlines Flight 1760, a Boeing 737-800, departed Myrtle Beach at approximately 8:15 a.m. before turning back and landing safely around 8:40 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident.

Horry County Communications officials said the aircrew reported possible smoke coming from the engine shortly after departure. Video recorded during takeoff appeared to show sparks shooting from the aircraft’s left engine.

Initial reports indicated the crew reported striking a bird while departing Myrtle Beach. In a statement, American Airlines attributed the return to a maintenance issue and confirmed there was no indication of an engine fire.

Passengers disembarked at the terminal after landing while mechanics began inspecting the Boeing 737-800 before it can be cleared to return to service.

American Airlines stated its team is working to accommodate the 172 passengers and get them on their way to Charlotte as soon as possible.

Myrtle Beach Airport Statement

This morning at approximately 8:15 am., the crew of an outbound commercial air carrier reported possible smoke from an engine shortly after departure. As a precaution, the flight returned to MYR, where emergency response units were dispatched to their designated staging areas. The aircraft landed safely a few minutes later and proceeded to the assigned terminal gate, where passengers deplaned normally. The airline will conduct a further inspection of the aircraft prior to returning it to service.

FAA Statement

This information is preliminary and subject to change.

American Airlines Flight 1760 returned safely to Myrtle Beach International Airport around 8:40 a.m. local time on Monday, Aug. 10, after the crew reported striking a bird while departing. The Boeing 737-800 was headed to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The FAA will investigate.

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