Flight headed to Brussels returns to Newark Airport after possible bird strike

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A possible bird strike forced a plane headed from New Jersey to Europe to return to Newark Liberty International Airport Wednesday night, according to the FAA.

United Airlines flight 999 landed safely in Newark just before 9 p.m., officials said.

They say the flight, headed to Brussels, was forced to turn around about an hour into the flight after the crew reported a possible bird strike.

"United flight 999 returned to the airport shortly after experiencing a potential bird strike. The flight landed safely and has departed for Brussels," United Airlines said in a statement.

ALSO READ | Pandemic learning loss hits New York City minority students hardest

Standardized test results show an overall drop in learning, especially in some of New York City's poorest areas. Dan Krauth has the story.

The flight has since departed for Brussels again.

No additional details have been released at this time.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.