A Canadian North charter plane destined for Fort MacKay was forced to make an impromptu landing after an engine caught fire following what is believed to be a midair collision with a bird.

An airport employee on the ground reported hearing a loud boom and witnessing fire resonating from the enginge of the Boeing 737-300 shortly before 6:00 p.m.

According to a passenger on board the flight, the plane was en route to a CNRL site with approximately 130 workers. The airliner circled the airport until it was safe to land, a touch down that was greeted by the cheers of the passengers.

There have been no reported injuries.

The plane has been grounded and is undergoing a mechanical inspection. All passengers disembarked from the plane and awaited the resumption of their travel plans withing the Canadian North hangar.