Passengers on a Ryanair flight had their journey halted as the plane began to take off. The aircraft was heading down the runway of when those on board say they felt an "almighty shuddering".
According to one passenger the crew initially thought there was an issue with the plane's wheels. However it is now believed that it was hit by a bird as he took off, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The passenger, who did not want to be named, told how the incident unfolded as the flight set off from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Monday at 1pm. However the journey to Rome was delayed after the incident on the runway.
Those on the flight said there was an "almighty shuddering that resembled driving on rumble strips". Passengers said the pilot was "forced to put the plane in an emergency stop which was efficiently done".
Staff reportedly thought the plane had a burst tyre, but after an inspection by fire crews a bird was found in the engine. The passenger said they were then towed into the main concourse but were "only metres away from the end of the runway."
The passenger said: "The pilot needs praising for quick decision making. The passengers were incredibly calm and once we were given the full lowdown were very respectful of the airport staff."
Liverpool John Lennon Airport confirmed there was no emergency landing but said the flight "suffered a suspected bird strike on take off so the flight was postponed". Passengers were postponed to fly later that afternoon.
Ryanair has also been approached for comment.
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