The Utah Jazz‘s team charter plane had to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff on Tuesday after striking a flock of birds that resulted in an engine issue, a team source who was on the flight told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Jazz were en route to Memphis, where they play the Grizzlies on Wednesday evening.
According to the source, players heard a loud bang and saw a flash from the left engine.
The plane returned to the Salt Lake City airport, where the team was awaiting a new flight.
Some players appeared to react to the situation on Twitter, with Donovan Mitchell tweeting a praying-hands emoji and Rudy Gobert writing, “It’s a beautiful day!“
