India, April 17 -- A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 was forced to make an emergency return to Denver International Airport on Sunday after striking an animal during takeoff, triggering visible engine flames. The flight, bound for Edmonton, Canada, was carrying 153 passengers and six crew members.
Shortly after liftoff, air traffic controllers alerted the crew to "bursts of flame" from the aircraft's right engine. "We think we lost our right motor," the pilot responded, before declaring an emergency and requesting immediate clearance to return.
In audio captured by LiveATC.net, the pilot also asked ground personnel to check for visible fire near the flaps and wheel area.
The plane landed safely and taxied back to the gate, where emergency...