A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey shortly after taking off on the morning of Saturday, March 1. The incident occurred when the aircraft experienced a bird strike, igniting a fire on part of the plane as it ascended into the sky.
According to a statement from the airport, FedEx Flight 3609 was en route to Indianapolis when it had to return unexpectedly to Newark at approximately 8:07 a.m. local time. FedEx confirmed that the aircraft struck a bird during takeoff, leading to the emergency situation.
Video footage shared on the social media platform X appears to capture the moment of the collision. The recordings show flames erupting near one of the cargo plane's wings as it made its descent back to the airport. In a separate video, the aircraft was seen still airborne with fire visible near the wing, indicating the severity of the damage. A third video angle showcased intense flames burning beneath the right wing of the aircraft as it approached the runway.
Following the bird strike, the crew declared an emergency and successfully returned to Newark, despite experiencing significant engine damage, including an engine fire. FedEx praised the professionalism and training of their pilots, stating, "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."
As a precautionary measure, air traffic at Newark Liberty International Airport was briefly halted, but operations have since resumed. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported as a result of the emergency landing, although the exact number of individuals aboard the flight remains unclear.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 767. They noted that the bird strike resulted in damage to one of the engines. As of March 1, the aircraft was reported as "disabled on a runway," highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
This event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by aircraft during takeoff and the importance of swift action in emergency situations. For those interested in staying informed on similar incidents and other news, signing up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter will ensure you never miss a story.
