A flight was forced to make an emergency landing after the engine caught fire due to a possible bird strike.

The American Airlines flight was headed to Phoenix, Arizona, USA, but had to return to John Glenn Intl. Airport in Columbus, Ohio, after the engine caught fire minutes after takeoff.

Footage filmed from inside the plane by passengers Marni Kallestad and Ryan Brink shows flames shooting from the engine.

John Glenn International Airport posted on Twitter: "Emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident at CMH this morning involving a reported engine fire.

"The aircraft landed safely and the airport is open and operational

"The aircraft experienced mechanical issues, not an engine fire."

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

American Airlines said in a statement: "The flight landed normally and taxied safely to the gate under its own power.

"The aircraft was taken out of service for maintenance and our team is working to get customers back on their way to Phoenix."

The incident happened on Sunday morning (23/04).