Image credits: A collage featuring a screenshot from a video on X by (nojumper) and Wikipedia
Newark: A FedEx Express cargo plane made an emergency landing on Saturday, 1st March 2025 at Newark Liberty International Airport after a bird strike caused one of its engines to catch fire.
The aircraft, a Boeing 767, had just departed for Indianapolis when the incident occurred. The flight crew declared an emergency and safely returned to the airport, with all three crew members onboard unharmed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Details of the Incident
FedEx Express Flight 3609 took off from Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday morning when it encountered a bird strike shortly after departure.
The FAA stated that the impact damaged the right engine, causing visible flames.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft in distress, with flames bursting from one of its engines. A witness at the airport told Fox Weather, “I saw something black go into the right engine, and then suddenly, flames started coming out.”
The crew responded quickly, shutting down the affected engine and returning to Newark approximately nine minutes after takeoff. The plane landed safely, and emergency personnel were on standby to assist.
Response and Investigation
The FAA confirmed that the cause was a bird strike leading to an engine fire, while the NTSB is conducting a deeper investigation into the extent of the damage and the response procedures.
FedEx commended the crew’s professionalism and swift actions during the emergency. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude for the crew and first responders’ quick actions.
The incident led to a temporary halt in air traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport. Operations resumed shortly after the plane landed safely, and the aircraft remained on the runway as of that morning.
Bird Strikes in Aviation
Bird strikes remain a significant hazard for aviation. According to the FAA, there were over 19,000 wildlife strikes at 713 U.S. airports in 2023, a 14% increase from the previous year.
While most bird strikes cause minor damage, some result in serious incidents, such as the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese, forcing an emergency landing on the Hudson River.
Similar Incidents and Aviation Safety
In February 2024, an American Airlines Boeing 737 suffered a similar bird strike in Miami, forcing an emergency landing.
In this case, the FedEx flight crew’s swift response ensured the safety of all onboard. Aviation authorities, including FedEx, the FAA, and the NTSB, will review the findings to enhance safety measures and mitigate wildlife hazards around airports.
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