Bird Strike Forces Emergency Landing for American Airlines Flight at JFK
An American Airlines flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced a terrifying bird strike that disabled one of its two engines shortly after takeoff on Thursday night. The incident forced the Airbus A321 carrying 190 passengers and six crew members to make an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Pilot Declares Emergency
Moments after takeoff at 7:43 p.m., the pilot of American Airlines Flight 1722 declared an emergency, radioing the control tower with the chilling words, “Mayday, mayday, mayday, American 1722 engine failure.” The pilot explained that the aircraft had hit birds shortly after departure, leading to the engine failure.
Despite the chaotic situation, the flight crew maintained calm and professionalism. The pilot requested immediate clearance to land at JFK, asking for a route clear of departing traffic to prioritize safety.
Safe Landing Amid Crisis
The emergency unfolded quickly. At 7:52 p.m., the pilot officially declared the emergency, and just 11 minutes later, at 8:03 p.m., the plane safely landed at JFK. Remarkably, the aircraft was able to taxi to the terminal under its own power.
American Airlines later confirmed that no injuries were reported. In a statement, the airline thanked the crew for their quick actions and apologized to passengers for the disruption. The plane was immediately handed over to maintenance teams for inspection.
Rising Bird Strike Numbers
Bird strikes are becoming more frequent across U.S. airports. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 19,400 bird strikes at 713 airports nationwide in 2023 alone. Although most incidents cause minimal damage, cases like this one—where significant engine damage leads to an emergency landing—are rare.
The FAA is investigating the incident, while American Airlines continues to assess the damage to the aircraft.
Echoes of the “Miracle on the Hudson”
This event brings back memories of the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” in January 2009. In that incident, a US Airways flight also departing LaGuardia for Charlotte struck a flock of birds shortly after takeoff, resulting in a dual-engine failure. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger successfully landed the powerless plane in the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board.
Preventing Bird Strikes
Bird strikes are an ongoing challenge for aviation, especially at airports near water or natural habitats. Airports and airlines invest heavily in prevention measures, including bird detection systems and habitat management. However, as this latest incident shows, the unpredictable nature of wildlife can still pose risks.
This latest bird strike highlights the incredible skill and professionalism of flight crews and reinforces the importance of safety protocols that ensure passengers and crew remain protected in emergencies. While unsettling, the quick and decisive actions of American Airlines Flight 1722’s crew prevented what could have been a far worse outcome.
