A Southwest passenger flight made an emergency landing at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Friday night after hitting a bird, the airline reported.
The pilot in command of Flight 3118 from San Antonio declared an emergency as the plane approached the airport, BWI Airport Fire Department emergency vehicles — and others, including units from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department — scrambled to be ready following the reported bird strike. Observers on the ground reported seeing flames coming from the plane as it approached the airport, according to a county fire spokesman.
The plane, with 142 passengers and five crew, landed safely at 8:49 p.m. and was taken out of service, Southwest reported. Passengers continuing on to Detroit were to be offered seats on another aircraft.