Denver-bound United flight 1596 made an emergency landing Friday morning in Sacramento after an engine fire.
“The flight landed safely after our pilots reported an aircraft bird strike,” United spokeswoman Mary Ryan said. “The plane taxied to the gate and our maintenance team is inspecting the aircraft.”
The Boeing 737-800 departed the gate at Sacramento International Airport at 6:44 a.m. Mountain time, and took off nine minutes later, according to the airline.
It was back on the ground by 7:20 a.m. Mountain, the airline said.
There were 129 passengers and six crew members on board.
All passengers coming to Denver were accommodated on alternative flights.
The affected plane was scheduled to continue from Denver to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Passengers on that scheduled flight were re-routed and placed on alternative flights, according to the airline.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Laura Keeney: 303-954-1337, lkeeney@denverpost.com or
