FedEx plane catches fire midair after hitting a bird during takeoff
A FedEx cargo plane had to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after striking a bird during takeoff.
On Saturday, March 1, FedEx Flight 3609 traveling from Newark to Indianapolis returned to the airport at around 8 a.m. after the strike, which damaged one of the engines on the Boeing 767, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
FedEx released a statement after the incident, confirming that the flight 'experienced a bird strike during takeoff.'
'Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark after dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire,' FedEx said. 'The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.'
Videos shared on social media appeared to show the airplane's engine on fire while it was still in the air traveling over New Jersey.
There were no reported injuries, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As a precaution, air traffic was paused, though operations have now resumed.
Earlier in the week, several additional airline incidents occurred, including emergency landings and diversions.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, American Airlines Flight AA292 traveling from New York to New Delhi was diverted to Rome due to a bomb threat. American Airlines shared in a statement that the flight was diverted 'due to a possible security issue,' which was later 'determined to be non-credible.'
Just days later on Tuesday, Feb. 25, Delta Flight 876 heading from Atlanta to South Carolina had to turn around and make an emergency landing after the cabin appeared to be filled with smoke.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
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