NewsHillsborough County

Actions

Plane flying out of Clearwater hit a bird as it took off from airport

Allegiant Plane PIE bird strike
Allegiant planes at PIE
Posted
and last updated

CLEARWATER, Fla. — An Allegiant plane had to abruptly return to St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) after it struck a bird.

An ABC Action News employee on flight 1536 was headed to Flint Bishop Airport (FNT) in Flint, Michigan, around 11:57 a.m. when it hit a large bird and had to return to the airport.

Allegiant officials said an emergency was not declared, but out of an abundance of caution, the captain returned to the airport. The plane landed normally and taxied to the gate before passengers deplaned with no injuries.

Allegiant planes at PIE

Officials added that a replacement aircraft was dispatched to continue the flight and take passengers to Flint, which departed around 1:15 p.m.

Brides, families fighting for refunds after event venue closes suddenly

“We’ve struggled so hard to scrape the money to be able to do this for her,” Irizarry said. “She’s my only girl and I wanted this so much for her.”

Couples and families who had weddings and events planned at a well-known venue that abruptly closed claim they’re out thousands of dollars and aren’t being given refunds. Annette Irizarry was supposed to hold her 15-year-old daughter’s quinceañera in August at the Clearwater location and said she’s now out the $6,160 she paid. Without that money, Irizarry said she can’t afford to have her daughter’s celebration somewhere else.

Brides, families fighting for refunds after event venue closes suddenly