1:09PM, Sat Oct 6, 2012

Birdstrike Forces Emergency Landing At Newcastle Airport

By Ruth Holliday Location: Newcastle Airport

An Easyjet A319

A plane was forced to make an emergency landing after it flew into a flock of birds shortly after taking off.

The Easyjet flight from Newcastle to Bristol left at about 8pm on Thursday October 3 and had 148 passengers and six crew on board.

The birdstrike meant the Airbus 319 had to make a U-turn and head back to Newcastle as a precautionary measure.

Fire engines were scrambled to the runway and the aircraft landed safely.

Passengers tweeted about their experience.

Boris Watch wrote: “Easyjet made it from Newcastle to, er, Consett before turning round. Must have gone wrong at or very shortly after takeoff.”

Gareth Johnson tweeted: “Easyjet flight EZY569, Newcastle to Bristol, has just returned to @NCLairport minutes after taking off. Emergency squark sent out.”

The emergency landing had a knock-on effect as passengers expecting to get the easyJet plane back to Newcastle were delayed by four hours.

Passenger Mike Jempson tweeted: “Stranded at #BristolAirport by #easyjet until 1am. #Newcastle never seemed so far away.”

A spokesman for easyJet said: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY569 flying from Newcastle to Bristol returned to Newcastle Airport due to a birdstrike shortly after take off.

“The captain took the decision purely as a precautionary measure.

“The safety and welfare of our crew and passengers is easyJet’s top priority.

“EasyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ and safety authorities’ recommendations and regulations.

“The airline would like to thank passengers for their patience and apologises for any inconvenience caused.”