The Vicious Attack of the Birds

As soon as they arrived near the wreckage in their boats, they were surrounded by birds that viciously attacked them. The crew was so terrified by this that they ended up abandoning their plan with anxiety. The attack forced some of the officers to fall off their boats.
They made their way back to the other boats by swimming. Everyone on board, from passengers to flight attendants, were completely perplexed. What was inside the aircraft?