FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - An issue with a flight shortly after takeoff from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport prompted an emergency landing.
Around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, video footage showed Southwest Airlines Flight 1416 grounded at a terminal at the airport.
The flight was on its way to Austin, Texas when it struck a bird in the air just after takeoff, at around 11:45 a.m.
In radio transmissions, the pilot of the aircraft said, “Departure, 1416. We had a big flock of birds we went through and may have even hit one there.”
The pilot went on to say, “Not declared, but we do need to return to Fort Lauderdale. We have just a little bit of minor damage here.”
A statement released by the airline said that the pilots were able to land safely and evacuated all 145 passengers.
Two of those passengers were Susan and Brad Slutsky, who said they are in good spirits, even though the incident has delayed their holiday plans.
“At least we came down, and we were safe,” said Susan.
“We started making a U-turn and heading back east over the ocean, and the next thing you know, they said we were hit, a bird strike,” said Brad. “We circled around and burned off some gas and headed back here, and then the flight was cancelled, and we could see them on the side of the plane looking at the damage to the wing.”
While most people boarded another plane to Austin, the Slutskys had to stay behind one more day, as their final destination is Park City, Utah.
“It wasn’t, like, anything dramatic, so it was just the bummer of not getting where we’re going, having to spend the night and fly out tomorrow from Miami,” said Brad.
“We’ll get there. We’re leaving tomorrow from Miami, and we’ll get to Park City and ski tomorrow, maybe,” said Susan.
The Southwest Airlines statement, issued Wednesday afternoon, reads, “Southwest flight #1416 departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida for Austin, Texas on Wednesday morning encountered a bird strike shortly after takeoff. Our Pilots followed trained procedures and safely returned to Fort Lauderdale, where the aircraft taxied to a gate. To allow for further inspection, a separate aircraft will operate the flight to [Austin-Bergstrom International Airport]. We apologize to our Customers for the inconvenience and we commend the swift, professional actions of our Flight Crew in response to the event.”
Officials have not specified where exactly the bird hit the plane, as they determine the extent of the damage.
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