Delta Plane Hits Bird; Lands Safely in Salem

The plane was able to depart Salem on it's way to Salt Lake City after about a two hour delay.

Photo courtesy: Bombardier

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A Delta Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200 operated by SkyWest Airlines had some "foul" trouble today while landing at Salem's McNary Field.

As the plane was descending into Salem, one of the jets General Electric CF34-3B1 turbofans engines sucked in a small bird, fortunately the plane was able to land safely.

The plane was grounded until an inspector could look over the engine to make sure there wasn't any significant damage.

Salem Airport Administrator Alan Alexander says the airport has on average about 2 or 3 bird/plane incidents every couple of months.

He said the city and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department spend thousands of dollars every year to keep birds, especially geese, away from the airport.

After about a two hour delay, the passengers were allowed to board the aircraft, and the plane headed east for Salt Lake City.