A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after suffering a bird strike that caused engine flames mid-air. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff, led to dramatic visuals of the aircraft returning to the airport with one of its engines on fire.
Incident Details
The aircraft departed from Newark Airport but quickly encountered trouble as witnesses reported hearing explosion-like sounds from one of its engines. In shocking footage captured by onlookers, flames could be seen engulfing the engine as the plane flew overhead.
According to aviation reports:
- The plane remained airborne for approximately nine minutes after takeoff.
- Pilots quickly initiated emergency procedures and returned to Newark for a safe landing.
- No injuries were reported on board.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and FedEx have confirmed that the incident was caused by a bird strike, which led to engine failure.
Cause and Safety Response
Bird strikes are a common aviation hazard, often leading to mechanical failures, especially in jet engines. Newark Airport authorities took immediate action by:
- Temporarily halting air traffic as a precautionary measure.
- Conducting a full inspection of the runway and surrounding areas to ensure no further risks.
- Assisting the aircraft’s crew with emergency response teams upon landing.
Operations at the airport have since returned to normal, and no passengers or crew were harmed. However, the incident has raised renewed concerns over bird strike prevention at major airports.
Recent Aviation Incidents
The FedEx emergency landing is one of several aviation incidents that have occurred in recent months, highlighting ongoing safety challenges:
- In January 2025, an American Airlines flight tragically collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.
- In February 2025, a Delta Airlines plane crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring at least 18 people.
These incidents are currently under investigation by aviation safety authorities, with a growing emphasis on improving aircraft durability, pilot training, and wildlife control measures near airports.
Key Takeaways
- A FedEx cargo plane suffered engine failure after a bird strike at Newark Airport.
- Dramatic flames were seen coming from the engine, forcing an emergency landing just nine minutes after takeoff.
- No injuries were reported, and airport operations have resumed.
- The incident has renewed concerns over aviation safety and bird strike prevention near airports.