LaGuardia flight makes emergency landing after bird strike damages engine

In the United States, a significant aviation incident occurred when American Airlines flight 1722, an Airbus A321, took off from LaGuardia Airport in New York at 7:43 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The flight was destined for Charlotte, North Carolina, carrying 190 passengers and six crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered a bird strike which severely compromised one of its two engines, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency. The pilot radioed air traffic control requesting clearance to return to JFK Airport, allowing the plane to safely land at 8:03 PM without any reported injuries among those on board. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the city's major airports, confirmed that the flight was rerouted and safely landed by 8:03 PM. Upon landing, the aircraft taxied to the terminal under its own power. Passengers expressed relief, with many stating they were scared during the incident. Some described witnessing flames from the malfunctioning engine, heightening their fears for their safety during the emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the situation as bird strikes have risen significantly across the United States. In the previous year alone, there were approximately 19,400 recorded incidents at 713 airports nationwide, a trend that poses increasing challenges for aviation safety. The authorities indicated that although bird strikes are common, the frequency of such incidents leading to emergency landings remains rare, putting the spotlight on preventive measures needed to ensure pilot and passenger safety in the aviation industry. American Airlines issued a statement thanking its crew for their professionalism during the incident and apologized to passengers for the disruption. The aircraft was scheduled for a maintenance inspection after the emergency landing, while the airline arranged hotel accommodations for passengers whose travel plans were affected. Flight 1722 was rescheduled to depart the next morning on December 13, ensuring minimal disruption to travel. Naturally, this incident reignited discussions on airport safety and wildlife management, particularly regarding bird activity near major airports like LaGuardia and JFK, reminiscent of previous bird strike incidents that have had dire consequences in aviation history.