In a series of events that tested both the laws of aviation and bird etiquette, a Delta Air Lines flight from Houston to Atlanta was forced into an unexpected landing after a feathered interloper made a dramatic entry into one of the plane’s engines. The engine in question did not take kindly to the surprise avian performance, and the crew decided that discretion was indeed the better part of valor, bringing the plane down safely in Houston shortly after takeoff.
The bird, whose name has yet to be released pending notification of next of kin, prompted a what-is-it-with-birds-and-jets moment among passengers, many of whom had expected turbulence but not feathery sabotage. Delta confirmed that the plane, a Boeing 737, returned to the airport “out of an abundance of caution,” which is airline-speak for “there was a bird and we don’t negotiate with pigeons.”
No injuries were reported unless you count the goose’s pride or the airline’s schedule, both of which are currently recovering comfortably at home. Delta has not specified the species involved, though ornithologists everywhere are quietly placing bets.
The airline arranged for affected passengers to board another flight and go on to Atlanta, where they presumably encountered less dramatic airborne activity.
It was a classic bird strike, though not the kind that earns frequent flyer miles.