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Allegiant flight bound for New York returns to St. Pete airport after bird strike

The airline says the strike happened shortly after takeoff.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A plane taking off from St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) returned back to the airport Wednesday after striking a bird.

Allegiant said one of Flight 994's engines experienced the bird strike shortly after taking off at 9:03 a.m. The plane returned to the airport for inspection and assessment, the carrier added.

The plane was able to land safely and taxi to a gate "under its own power" before passengers on board deplaned. A replacement aircraft is said to be on its way to bring those on board to their intended destination of Plattsburgh, New York.

A spokesperson from PIE said rescue units did respond to the Tarmac. According to Allegiant, 157 people, including the crew, were on board the plane at the time of the strike.

Credit: FlightAware

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