21 April 2011
Last updated at 06:09 ET
A Gatwick-bound plane had to make an emergency landing after a bird struck one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after it took off from Florida.
Thomson Flight TOM033, carrying 254 people and 12 crew, was hit by the bird minutes after it left Sanford Airport at 1820 local time on Wednesday.
Passengers described hearing a loud bang and then smelling smoke inside the Boeing 767-300 plane.
Thomson said the pilot decided to return to Sanford and no-one was hurt.
Passengers are being provided with hotel accommodation while the aircraft is being checked over.
‘Top priority’
The flight had been due to arrive at Gatwick Airport at 0650 BST.
A spokeswoman for Thomson Airways said the aircraft landed 20 minutes after take off and no passengers were injured during the incident.
“Shortly after take off, the aircraft, a Boeing 767-300, suffered a ‘bird strike’ into one of its engines and this resulted in the pilot deciding to return the aircraft into Sanford airport.
“Customers onboard this flight are currently being provided with welfare at Sanford airport while an assessment of
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