Bird strike forces plane to land

20/04/2011

A plane in the US was forced to return to the airport after it struck a bird during take-off.

The London-bound Thomson Airways flight carrying 269 people had to turn around after the pilot heard and felt the large bird strike.

The Boeing 767 landed safely back at Orlando-Sanford International Airport with no injuries reported, airport vice president Diane Crews said.

The unusual incident highlights the need for tourists to ensure that their travel insurance is up to date in case of unexpected events.

Passengers were due to spend the night at a hotel and return to Gatwick on another flight on Thursday.

The bird's carcass was retrieved from an engine on the left side of the plane and will be sent to laboratory experts so they can identify the species.

By Sarah Tawton