Bird strikes forced a Southwest Airlines flight that was bound for Fort Lauderdale, Florida was forced to return to Cuba on Sunday.

Southwest in a media statement on Sunday that when its flight #3923 was departing Havana, Cuba, for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday morning it reportedly experienced bird strikes to an engine and the aircraft’s nose shortly after takeoff

A bird strike is strictly defined as a collision between a bird and an aircraft which is in flight or on a takeoff or landing roll.

“The pilots safely returned to Havana where customers evacuated the aircraft via slides due to the observation of smoke in the cabin. Passengers and crew then took a bus to the terminal and arrangements were made for the flight to Fort Lauderdale” a statement from Southwest said.

“We commend the swift, professional actions of our pilots and flight attendants in responding to this event. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and have reached out to address their needs and offer support,” the statement continued.