Smoke was seen coming from the engine of a Jet2 flight from Barcelona as it came into Manchester Airport yesterday.
The 144 passengers on the Boeing 737-300 were told to brace for impact as the pilot did an emergency landing.
Some passengers reported hearing a large bang.
According to the Aviation Herald the incident was down to a bird strike in the engine, which suffered repeated compressor stalls.
"The crew went around from about 1200 feet and entered a hold shutting the engine down, positioned for another approach and landed safely about 20 minutes later," it said.
"Ground observers reported the engine was emitting unusual noise, repeated thuds, smoke and streaks of flame were emitted from the engine."
A Jet2 spokeswoman said: "Flight LS804 from Barcelona did call for assistance on approach into Manchester as a precautionary measure due to a technical indication. The aircraft landed and all passengers have disembarked safely."
