Bird strike sparks engine flames as AA jet makes emergency landing in Myrtle Beach

An American Airlines Boeing 737 carrying 172 passengers and 9 crew returning from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte, NC, made an emergency landing in Myrtle Beach after flames were seen shooting from the left-wing engine following a reported bird strike shortly after takeoff over the water. The crew declared Mayday; there were no injuries, the plane landed safely and was withdrawn from service for inspection, and passengers were rebooked on a replacement aircraft. Initial reports suggested the flames may have been caused by burning bird remnants, with no fire inside the engine.