Plane in Rhode Island hits birds, makes emergency landing

WARWICK, R.I. – Officials say an airplane was forced to make an emergency landing in Rhode Island after striking a flock of birds.

An American Airlines spokesman says American Eagle Flight 5396 had departed from T.F. Green, in Warwick, on Wednesday afternoon when it hit multiple horned larks during takeoff. The flight was heading to Reagan National Airport in Virginia.

The spokesman says the flight returned to T.F. Green and safely landed. A maintenance team is inspecting the airplane for damage.

Officials have not released how many passengers were on board, but the airline says it was able to place them on other flights.

Data from the Federal Aviation Administration shows planes at T.F. Green have struck animals 51 times since 2015.