American Airlines Flight 1760 Returns to Myrtle Beach After Bird Strike

On August 10, 2026, American Airlines Flight 1760, a Boeing 737-800 scheduled from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), reported a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The pilot transmitted a “mayday, mayday, mayday” call indicating an engine problem. Video captured from the cabin showed flames or sparks near the left-hand engine as the aircraft climbed over water. The crew elected to turn back, circled the airport, and landed safely about 36 minutes after departure. All occupants were deplaned without injury, and the aircraft was removed from service for inspection.

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Passenger Patrick Gotwalt recorded the engine flames while the plane flew over the Atlantic. Beachgoer Lindsey Mackey heard “loud popping noises” and saw orange flashes from the wing.

New York Post

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s 2025 wildlife-strike database recorded more than 24,000 incidents nationwide, a 9.3 % rise from 2024. Mourning doves accounted for roughly 11 % of all strikes, while waterfowl (ducks, geese) comprised 4 % but were responsible for 27 % of damage-causing events. Historically, about 36 % of bird strikes on fixed-wing aircraft occur during takeoff and climb, and 44 % impact the engine. Between 1990 and 2023, 96 % of U.S. civil-aircraft wildlife strikes involved birds.

American Airlines Declares Mayday And Returns To Myrtle Beach As Flames Shoot From Aircraft Engine Over Bird Strike

Bird strikes are a persistent aviation safety concern, especially at coastal airports where migratory pathways intersect runways. Modern jet engines are engineered to tolerate bird ingestion, yet large flocks can cause sudden power loss, vibration, or visible flames. The FAA recommends integrated wildlife-management programs—habitat modification, dispersal techniques, and regular runway inspections—to mitigate risk.

American Airlines Boeing 737 With 172 Aboard Returns To Myrtle Beach After Bird Strike

Sources differ on the total number of people aboard: CNN and ABC News cite 181 people (172 passengers + 9 crew), while other outlets list 172 passengers only. The FAA’s preliminary notice does not confirm fire presence, leaving the exact nature of the engine disturbance unresolved.

NBC Los Angeles

The FAA has opened an investigation to determine the species involved, the extent of engine damage, and any contributing factors such as runway wildlife management practices. American Airlines will complete a detailed inspection before returning the aircraft to service and will continue rebooking affected travelers.

American Airlines Boeing 737 With 172 Aboard Returns To Myrtle Beach After Bird Strike

• “The aircraft landed safely and has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” — American Airlines

USA Today

• “American Airlines Flight 1760 returned to Myrtle Beach (MYR) shortly after departure due to a maintenance issue. The aircraft landed safely and has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” — American Airlines

Fox News (website)