Flight to China turns back to Chicago after bird strike

CHICAGO (AP) - An American Airlines flight heading to China returned to O'Hare International Airport when the pilot declared an emergency because the plane hit a bird.

American spokesman Matt Miller said 237 passengers and 15 crew members were on board Flight 289 when it departed O'Hare around 10:50 a.m. Sunday.

He said the emergency declaration was a "precaution" and the plane landed safely 25 minutes later.

The flight was heading to Shanghai.