Tulsa airliner turns back after bird strikes

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – A flight from Tulsa to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport was forced to turn around after the plane apparently struck one or more birds.

The American Airlines jet returned to Tulsa International Airport on Friday morning after the captain declared an emergency shortly after takeoff.

American Airlines spokesman Kent Powell says Flight 1491 headed back to Tulsa shortly after takeoff around 10:30 a.m.

Powell says the Boeing 757 carried 185 passengers and a crew of seven.

Crews are inspecting the airplane for possible damage, with initial reports suggesting that the bird or birds struck an engine.