An Atlanta-bound flight out of Tucson International Airport was delayed this morning, after at least one bird struck the plane while it was getting ready to take off, officials said.
The Delta flight was scheduled to depart shortly after 6 a.m., and was traveling on the runway at maximum speed before taking off, when at least one bird struck under the nose of the plane, said Tucson airport spokeswoman Jessie Butler.
"The pilot had to slam on the brakes to stop," she said.
Tucson Airport Authority fire department came out to check for any structural damage, but had to wait for the brakes to cool down before they could perform the inspection, Butler said.
The plane was able to taxi back to the gate on its own, where the passengers deplaned and returned to the terminal.
"It's unclear if Delta needs to bring in a new plane or if anything is mechanically wrong with this one," Butler said.
According to Delta's website, the flight has been delayed until 2 p.m.
At least three birds were seen in the area at the time of the incident, but only one has been confirmed to have struck the plane, Butler said.
