A JetBlue plane headed from New York to Aruba turned around shortly after takeoff on Saturday after the pilot reported a bird strike, JetBlue officials told NBC New York.
The plane, carrying 104 passengers in addition to the crew, landed safely back at the airport, the officials said.
Passengers were waiting for a replacement plane and crews are examining the aircraft for damage.
Bird strikes are a concern for pilots around the tri-state, as large birds have been known to fly directly into the engine, causing mechanical failure.
In January of 2009, a US Airways flight was struck by birds over the Hudson River and the cool-headed pilot was able to land the plane on the river, saving the lives of all passengers and crew.
