SACRAMENTO - A bird strike forced a United Airlines flight to return to Sacramento International Airport, just four miles into its journey.
SMF spokesperson Laurie Slothower said the Houston bound plane hit the bird around 6:30 Saturday morning, damaging an engine.
As a precaution, the pilot turned the plane back towards Sacramento, where passengers deplaned and were booked on other flights.
Slothower said the plane was taken out of service by United until it can be deemed safe for travel by mechanics.
The plane landed with no issues and there were no reported injuries.
News10/KXTV