Newark, NJ – A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make a dramatic emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport early Saturday morning after its right engine erupted in flames shortly after takeoff.
The incident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. EST, was caused by a bird strike, according to officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Despite the harrowing scene captured on video by onlookers, the plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported.
The aircraft, a Boeing 767-300 operating as FedEx Flight 3609, had just departed from Newark en route to Indianapolis when the incident unfolded.
Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound as the plane’s right engine burst into flames, prompting the pilots to declare an emergency and swiftly return to the airport. Flight data indicates the plane was airborne for just nine minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,650 feet before making its U-turn back to the runway.
Terrifying footage circulating on social media showed the plane flying low over Elizabeth, New Jersey, with flames and smoke billowing from the engine. Another video captured the aircraft touching down on Runway 22L, its right wing still ablaze, as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Within moments, fire trucks surrounded the plane, extinguishing the fire and securing the area. Air traffic at the busy airport was briefly halted as a precaution but has since resumed normal operations.
“Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark,” FedEx said in a statement. “We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.” The company did not disclose how many crew members were on board, but the Port Authority confirmed there were no injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the bird strike and the subsequent engine failure.
Aviation experts praised the pilots’ swift response, noting that bird strikes, while not uncommon, can pose significant risks to aircraft engines. “The fact that they got it back on the ground in under ten minutes with an engine on fire speaks to incredible skill and composure,” said Joshua Benson, a flight enthusiast who tracked the plane’s path online.
The media has yet to blame the fire for President Donald Trump’s restructuring of the federal government.