Airliner from NJ hits birds, returns to airport

NEWARK, N.J. - March 11, 2010 -- Officials say a Continental Airlines jet with 301 people aboard returned safely to Newark Liberty International Airport after it struck a flock of geese shortly after takeoff. No one was injured.

Ron Marsico, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said Continental Airlines Flight 99 was headed to Hong Kong when it took off around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Marsico said there were warnings of migrating birds in the area.

Marsico said blood was found on the nose of the Boeing 777 and around the left-wing engine.

In January 2009, a US Airways flight leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport was forced to ditch in the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese and losing power in both engines. All 150 passengers survived.

Get more Local/State »

new jersey, bird strike, local/state

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•