An American Airlines Airbus A321 operating Flight AA1722 was forced to make an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) after a bird strike caused engine failure shortly after departing from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The incident occurred on the evening of December 12, 2024, with 190 passengers and six crew members on board.
Incident Details
Flight Route: LaGuardia (LGA) → Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Aircraft: Airbus A321
Departure Time: 7:15 p.m. EST
Emergency Landing: 8:03 p.m. EST at JFK
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds, resulting in a bird strike that disabled the right engine. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang and seeing flames coming from the engine. The crew declared an emergency, and the captain diverted the flight to JFK, where it landed safely without injuries.
Watch the passenger videos from the cabin here on YouTube.
Passenger Reactions
Passengers described the terrifying moment vividly, with some recounting visible flames and a sudden loud noise. One passenger captured video footage of the engine emitting sparks, while others expressed fear for their lives.
One passenger shared:
“I thought we weren’t going to make it. It was so frightening to see the flames.”
American Airlines Response
American Airlines issued a statement confirming the bird strike and the successful emergency landing:
“Our crew acted swiftly and professionally to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The aircraft will be thoroughly inspected by our maintenance team, and we apologize to our customers for the disruption.”
Affected passengers were provided with accommodations, and arrangements were made for them to continue their journey to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) the following morning.
Bird strikes remain a persistent safety challenge in aviation. In 2023 alone, over 19,000 bird strike incidents were reported across U.S. airports. Airports implement various measures to mitigate bird strike risks, including:
Wildlife Control Programs
Bird-Detecting Radar Systems
Habitat Management Around Airports
Despite these efforts, incidents can still occur, particularly during takeoff and landing when aircraft are at lower altitudes.
Bottom Line
The swift actions of the flight crew ensured a safe outcome in what could have been a catastrophic event. This incident highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and the continuous need for effective wildlife management around airports.
