A charter flight carrying the Utah Jazz was forced to make an emergency landing on Tuesday afternoon, returning to the gate at the Salt Lake City International Airport after hitting a flock of birds.
According to ABC News, Delta flight 8944 took off from Salt Lake City but came into contact with the untimely flock, and the engine needed to be shut down as a precaution. The flight crew declared an emergency as the plane was brought down without incident and taxied back to the gate.
The Jazz were headed to Memphis for a game with the Grizzlies set to take place on Wednesday night.
A team spokesperson told ABC News the team charter “returned safely to the Salt Lake City airport today after a bird strike.”
Some of the Jazz players posted on social media following the scare but they gave no specifics as it pertains to the incident. Center Rudy Gobert tweeted “It’s a beautiful day!” while Donovan Mitchell and Jordan Clarkson both posted praying hand emojis.
