Jet Carrying Cisneros Is Forced to Land

A Delta Air Lines plane carrying Housing Secretary Henry G. Cisneros and 52 other passengers was forced to make an emergency landing at Washington National Airport after striking a flock of birds shortly after takeoff. An airport spokesman said the plane’s captain shut down one of the Boeing 727’s three engines after a flock of birds appeared to fly into it, causing a burning smell. The Delta Shuttle plane returned safely to the airport in nearby Arlington, Va., with no injuries reported. Cisneros, who was seated in the rear of the plane, said everybody was amazingly calm. Airport officials said Boeing 727s can fly safely with two engines.