Second Bird Strike Causes A Jet To Make Emergency Landing

(CBS) – A passenger jet made an emergency landing at the Rockford Airport Thursday after it struck some birds on takeoff -- the second such incident in Illinois on the same day.

The Allegiant airlines jet was on its way from Rockford to Punta Gorda, Fla. when it experienced a bird strike to one of its engines, with 177 passengers and six crew members on board, the airline said.

"Per safety procedures the captain shut down the engine," a statement said. "The aircraft returned to Rockford, landed safely and was met by airport fire crews. Passengers deplaned at the gate."

No injuries were reported.

"We apologize to our passengers for the inconvenience and disruption to their plans. Passengers have been provided $100 vouchers for future travel on Allegiant as well as meal vouchers. Passengers who choose not to continue on this flight may change their reservation to any other flight in the Allegiant system at no charge," an airlines spokesperson said in a prepared statement.

The Rockford incident comes just hours after a jet in Chicago struck a bird Thursday and made an emergency landing at Midway Airport .

This year, the Federal Aviation Administration says there have been 22 bird strikes at Midway and 28 at O'Hare.

DePaul University transportation expert Joe Schwieterman says safety officials are always looking at ways to try and prevent them.