American Airlines flight makes emergency landing after bird strike

On Monday, August 10, 2026, an American Airlines Boeing 737, operating flight 1760, experienced a significant incident shortly after takeoff from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The aircraft, which was bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, carrying 181 passengers and crew, collided with a flock of birds. The impact caused flames to erupt from the left engine, prompting the pilot to issue a "mayday" distress call to air traffic control.

Another pilot in the vicinity witnessed the event and reported that the engine appeared to have ingested birds. Passengers on board, including Patrick Gotwalt, captured video footage of the flames emanating from the engine while the aircraft was over the water. Witnesses on the ground, such as Lindsey Mackey, reported hearing loud noises and seeing orange flashes coming from the wing. The pilot successfully circled back to the airport and performed an emergency landing. No injuries were reported among those on board, and passengers were safely deboarded. Technical teams are currently inspecting the aircraft to determine the full extent of the damage.