A scary moment happened at Chicago Rockford International Airport on Thursday leaving 177 passengers fearing the worst shortly after take off.

"I was scared to death, I grabbed my daughter and started praying as we both were crying. It was very scary."

That's what Jennifer Aguilar told WREX. Moments before that interview Jennifer and her daughter, and 175 others passengers, were headed to Florida.

The Allegiant Airlines flight had just taken off from Chicago Rockford International Airport when an explosion happened on the left side of the plane.

The airline says a bird strike to its number one engine was the problem. Allegiant says the captain shut down the engine as part of its safety procedures and returned to Rockford.

The plane landed safely with emergency crews waiting and, although shaken, all passengers were OK.

Aguilar added,

"(I have) anxiety with flying to begin with and then this situation happens which will cause me probably to never fly again."

Can you blame her? I haven't been on a plane in 20 years. After hearing that story I would fine with waiting another 20 years.

WREX says Allegiant Airlines had another plane ready to go for those still wanting to reach their destination, and gave passengers a $100 flight voucher and including an in-flight meal.

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