Birds smash plane engine

SCARED aircraft passengers saw flames burst from an engine after their plane hit birds while taking off.

The Glasgow flight with 40 passengers and three crew was forced to return to Sumburgh Airport in Shetland after being hit by birds at 1,500ft.

Passengers reported hearing a loud bang and then smelling fuel.

The Loganair Saab 2000 turboprop plane landed safely on Friday despite the damaged left engine.