Delta Says Bird Likely Caused Damage To Plane Carrying OKC Thunder
CHICAGO (AP) — Delta Air Lines says a charter flight carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder from Minneapolis to Chicago apparently encountered a bird early Saturday when it was landing, causing damage that prompted some players to post photos on social media showing the caved-in nose of the plane.
Carmelo Anthony, Josh Huestis, and Steven Adams all posted photos of the plane shortly after it landed around 12:45 a.m.
Hey @NASA @neiltyson @BillNye
— Steven Adams (@RealStevenAdams) October 28, 2017
We had a rough flight to say the least.
30000 feet in the air.
Flying to chicago.
What caused this? pic.twitter.com/uEVrEm7noi
I guess we hit something? 30,000 feet up... pic.twitter.com/Rem9GmwRKq
— Josh Huestis (@jhuestis) October 28, 2017
Delta Airlines spokeswoman Elizabeth Wolf said maintenance was evaluating the situation and that the damage was likely caused by a collision with a bird. She said the Boeing 757-200 landed safely without incident at Chicago's Midway International Airport.
A spokesperson for the team told The Oklahoman newspaper that all of its players, staff and coaches were safe. The Thunder lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-116 on Friday night. Oklahoma City plays the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.
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This version of the story corrects airline's official name to Delta Air Lines from Delta Airllines.