Plane returns safely to Rochester airport after striking Canada geese
After striking Canada geese during takeoff Thursday morning, a US Airways flight bound for Charlotte, N.C., safely returned to the Greater Rochester International Airport.
Passengers on Flight 1101 said they applauded after the pilot safely landed the plane in Rochester.
The flight was scheduled to leave Rochester at 8:25 a.m., but after striking several birds at approximately 2,000 feet, the plane had a problem with one of its two engines and turned back, said airport spokeswoman Jennifer Hanrahan.
No injuries were reported.
The flight landed safely about 8:40 a.m. Hanrahan said 126 people were on board the flight. The flight was ultimately canceled and passengers were rebooked.
“It was a little bit scary,” said Alfredo Robles, 36, of Rochester, who was traveling to Puerto Rico with his two children. “As soon as the pilot took care of the airplane, we were fine. He’s a good pilot.”
Passenger Nicole Dalberth, 20, of Marion, Wayne County, said she was frightened when she heard a loud noise followed by the smell of something burning.
“You could hear everyone gasp,” she said. “Everyone knew something was wrong.”
Jerry Clayton, 73, of Fairport was traveling with his wife to Cancun, Mexico, via Charlotte when the whole plane shook.
“I’ve flown a lot and never felt anything like this,” Clayton said, adding that the pilot “did a great job landing.”
Clayton said he shook the pilot’s hand and thanked him as he disembarked from the plane.
Hanrahan said the last bird strike at the Greater Rochester International Airport occurred about three years ago. No one was injured in that incident.
VFREILE@DemocratandChronicle.com
