Seattle-bound plane returns to Oakland after bird strike

Published 1:14 pm Saturday, November 15, 2014

SEATTLE — Officials say a plane bound for Seattle returned to Oakland shortly after takeoff Friday because a bird apparently struck the plane. No injuries were reported.

The plane operated by Alaska Airlines left Oakland International Airport at 6:47 p.m. It returned shortly after takeoff as a precautionary measure.

Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Halley Knigge told KOMO-TV that the plane landed safely and was being inspected Friday night.

She says the plane was carrying 144 passengers and six crew members.

Oakland International Airport spokesman Brian Kidd says the plane encountered the bird strike at 7:01 and returned to the gate without incident about 20 minutes later.