Allegiant flight forced to return to Mesa Gateway Airport after bird strike

Passengers on an Allegiant flight out of Mesa Gateway Airport had a somewhat scary experience Saturday afternoon when a bird strike took place shortly after takeoff.

The flight departed for Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport around 3:28 p.m. and returned to the Mesa airport after the strike, according to an Allegiant spokesperson.

They told KTAR News 92.3 FM the flight landed normally and was able to taxi to the gate under its own power. They added that passengers deplaned normally and a replacement aircraft was sent.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our passengers. The aircraft will be inspected by maintenance before it is returned to service in accordance with standard operating procedures,” the spokesperson wrote. “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priorities.”

Related

Peoria resident struck and killed by train in Flagstaff, police sayHow did Arizona wind up with a decade-long teacher shortage — with no end in sight?Arizona state land sales nearly double to $817.8M, fueled by major auctionsFatal collision in Mesa shuts down Stapley Drive in both directionsSevere weather with dust, rain rolls into Valley Sunday nightBarrow Neurological Institute gets $5M Arizona health grant for brain injury drug trial