MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — An American Airlines flight bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, was forced to make an emergency landing at Myrtle Beach International Airport shortly after takeoff on Monday following a bird strike that damaged one of its engines.

American Airlines Flight 1760, operated by a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers and crew members, encountered a flock of birds during its departure. According to officials, the aircraft's left engine ingested several birds mid-climb.

Ground witnesses and passengers on board reported hearing loud popping sounds, accompanied by visible orange flashes and smoke emanating from the left engine shortly after the aircraft left the runway.

Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot issuing an immediate distress call to request priority handling back to the airport, declaring, "Mayday, mayday, mayday. We've got an engine problem here." Another pilot operating on the same frequency confirmed observing the bird strike from the air.

The flight crew safely executed a turn and landed the aircraft without further incident. The Boeing 737 taxied to the gate under its own power, where all passengers deplaned normally. No injuries were reported among the crew or passengers.

Following the landing, airport operations temporarily cleared bird debris from the active runway. American Airlines confirmed in a statement that the aircraft has been removed from service for comprehensive technical inspection and maintenance. Affected passengers were subsequently rebooked on alternative flights to Charlotte.