PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — An American Airlines flight headed to Philadelphia had to return to St. Louis shortly after takeoff Saturday because of an unusual odor.
Passengers on American Eagle flight 5089 say they heard a loud grinding sound before lunging forward as oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, according to People magazine.
The pilot contacted the airport’s control tower, and the plane made an emergency landing shortly after.
The pilot was heard saying there were “fumes in the cockpit,” according to Air Traffic Control recordings.
According to the recordings, the pilot was also advised of a flock of birds nearby while preparing for departure.
Passengers were evacuated and the airline did not report any injuries.
The aircraft was taken out of service for inspection and passengers were accommodated on another plane later on Saturday.
“We apologize to our customers for their experienceand thankourteammembersfor theirprofessionalism,” American Airlines said in a statement.
The cause of the odor remains unclear and it is not known if there was any bird strike.
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