During takeoff from Columbus Airport (CMH), the engine of an American Airlines Boeing 737 caught fire following a collision with a flock of geese, leading to an emergency landing 40 minutes later.
A video posted online showed the plane emitting flames into the sky after hitting the geese during takeoff from John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Flight 1958 of American Airlines, which was scheduled to travel to Phoenix, Arizona, departed from John Glenn Columbus International Airport at 7:43 am and returned to the airport at 8:22 am, according to RadarBox.
Witnesses at the airport heard unusual noises and observed flames coming out of the engine after the bird strike.
A witness in Columbus, Ohio, described the noise from the engines of the 737 after the bird strike as alarming, and it seemed like the engines were about to fail.
Fortunately, the plane was able to make an emergency landing at John Glenn Columbus International Airport without any reported injuries.
American Airlines 737 Engine Fire
Online videos and photos are circulating of American Airlines Flight 1958’s engine on fire as it returned to Columbus, Ohio, shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was originally headed for Phoenix, Arizona. Witnesses reported the plane making a low rumbling noise as it passed through Ohio, reported Daily Mail UK.
An anonymous passenger who was on board the flight informed WBNS that the pilot had mentioned that geese had entered the engine, causing the fire.
Passengers were transferred to another flight scheduled to depart for Phoenix at around 10 am. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration has taken over the investigation of the incident while emergency teams continue to remain at the airport. Despite the incident, the airport has confirmed that it remains open and functional.
American Airlines Boeing 737-800 (N972NN, built 2015) safely returned to land at Columbus-Intl AP (KCMH), OH after flames and smoke was seen coming from the right engine. Flight #AA1958 to Phoenix landed back on runway 28L 25 minutes after take-off. No one was hurt. @Cbus4Life… pic.twitter.com/YsAxsJ3D1O
— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) April 23, 2023
Similar Incident
The Federal Aviation Association is investigating a possible engine fire after visible flames forced crews to cancel takeoff of an American Airlines flight in Charlotte Thursday evening, officials said.
The Airbus A321 (reg. N980UY) was taxiing while passengers sat inside Flight 2288 — which was supposed to be headed to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
The flames continued for about 10 minutes until the fire department reached the plane, said passenger Frankie Leggington, 19, who shared video footage with The Charlotte Observer.
Once passengers were cleared to leave the plane, the pilot came over the loudspeaker to give props to the passengers for staying so calm, according to Leggington. If the plane had been flying, the whole side of the plane could have blown out, the pilot said, according to Leggington.
Also, Read American Airlines Airbus A321 rejected takeoff when flames were visible on the right wing – AIRLIVE