Terrifying footage has captured flames shooting from the engine of an American Airlines passenger jet after it struck birds moments after taking off from a South Carolina airport. Your email address: Email Us Get the Newsletter By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy“Mayday, mayday, mayday. “I saw he took up birds, it looked like, at least in the left side engine,” the pilot said. Passenger Patrick Gotwalt captured dramatic footage from inside the aircraft showing bursts of flames appearing to shoot from the left engine beneath the wing. Emergency crews began preparing for the aircraft’s return to Myrtle Beach as workers discovered bird remains scattered across the runway.