FedEx plane catches fire midair before making emergency landing

A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Saturday morning after a bird strike caused one of its engines to catch fire. The dramatic incident unfolded shortly after takeoff, prompting a swift and terrifying sequence of events. According to an airport official who spoke to Fox News Digital, the plane experienced the bird strike during its departure from Newark, which led to a fiery situation that captivated eyewitnesses and raised alarms across the airport.

Video footage of the incident captured the harrowing moments as the FedEx plane, identified as a Boeing 767-300 twin-jet aircraft, banking sharply to the right while trailing a thick plume of black smoke. The right engine was visibly engulfed in flames, sending shockwaves through onlookers. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion, and one video clip captured a panicked bystander repeatedly exclaiming, "Oh my God, oh my God," as the plane struggled to stay aloft. Despite the chaos, the crew managed to retain control of the aircraft and guided it back to the runway for a safe landing at 8:07 a.m.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported, and the plane touched down safely, though the incident prompted a temporary halt to air traffic at Newark Airport as a precautionary measure. Operations resumed shortly thereafter, according to the airport official. FedEx later released a statement confirming the details of the incident, noting that the flight, identified as FedEx Flight 3609, was en route to Indianapolis when the bird strike occurred. The company praised the quick actions of the crew and first responders, expressing gratitude for their professionalism and expertise in navigating the crisis.

The Boeing 767-300, a reliable workhorse for cargo operations, was likely carrying a significant volume of freight, though FedEx did not specify the number of people on board or the nature of the cargo. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by pilots and aircrew, particularly during takeoff and landing, when birds or other wildlife can pose a serious threat to aviation safety. Bird strikes, while relatively rare, can have catastrophic consequences, as they did in this case, where a single collision sparked an engine fire that could have easily led to a disastrous outcome.

Authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), were immediately notified of the incident, and an investigation is likely underway to determine the cause of the bird strike and assess the extent of the damage to the aircraft. FedEx, along with aviation regulators, will also examine measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the continued safety of air travel. For now, the successful emergency landing and the absence of injuries serve as a testament to the rigorous training of pilots and the robust safety protocols in place within the aviation industry.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of unexpected challenges. The crew’s ability to declare an emergency, navigate the damaged aircraft, and secure a safe landing demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and skill. As the investigation progresses, the aviation community will no doubt learn valuable lessons from this close call, reinforcing the commitment to safety that underpins every aspect of air travel. For the crew, passengers, and everyone involved, the outcome of this harrowing event is a powerful reminder of the resilience of human expertise in the face of adversity.