A FedEx cargo plane was forced to execute an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday morning after a bird strike ignited its right engine, sending flames billowing from its wing.
Emergency Takeoff Turned Crisis
The Boeing 767-3S2F departed at approximately 8:00 a.m. for a flight from Newark to Indianapolis when, minutes later, a bird strike reportedly caused the right engine to malfunction. Dramatic footage captured the aircraft rapidly returning to the runway with fire emerging from its wing, prompting a swift response from emergency crews.
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Safe Landing and Immediate Response
The plane landed safely at 8:07 a.m., according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. There were no injuries reported among the three crew members on board. A FedEx spokesperson later confirmed that the emergency was triggered by a bird strike, stating, “FedEx Flight 3609 experienced a bird strike during takeoff. Our crew declared an emergency and safely returned to Newark. We are grateful for the prompt actions of our team and first responders.”
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Communication and Investigation
A LiveATC recording from the incident captured the tense exchange between the flight crew and air traffic control. One crew member stated, “Tower, FedEx 3609 – right engine shut down for a possible bird strike. We need to return to the airport.” Shortly thereafter, a witness reported seeing what appeared to be the engine detaching from the right wing.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. After a thorough inspection, the aircraft was cleared to continue its journey to Indianapolis at 9:30 a.m.
Broader Air Safety Concerns
The incident at Newark adds to growing air safety concerns, coming on the heels of last month’s fatal crash over the Potomac River, where a Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with a commercial plane, resulting in 67 fatalities. Authorities and industry experts are closely monitoring such events to ensure enhanced safety protocols across all flight operations.
This incident underscores the importance of rapid response and rigorous safety measures in aviation. With the aircraft now cleared and investigations underway, both FedEx and regulatory agencies are working to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
