CWEB Breaking News:
A FedEx (FDX) cargo plane narrowly averted disaster on Saturday morning when a bird strike ignited one of its engines shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport, forcing an emergency landing. The Boeing 767, bound for Indianapolis, safely returned to Newark with its three crew members unharmed, officials confirmed to CWEB. Dramatic footage of the flaming engine circulated widely on social media, sparking alarm and relief as the aircraft touched down without casualties.
Mid-Air Crisis and Rapid Response
The incident occurred just minutes after the plane departed at approximately 8 a.m. Local witnesses and a driver on the New Jersey Turnpike captured video showing flames and smoke spewing from the stricken engine as the aircraft ascended. Flight data indicates the crew issued an emergency alert less than 10 minutes into the flight, executing a swift U-turn back to Newark.
“Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark,” FedEx stated, praising the pilots’ quick actions and coordination with first responders. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey mobilized its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Unit, police, and operations teams, ensuring the runway was cleared and normal airport operations resumed promptly.
FAA Launches Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the bird strike damaged the engine, adding that a full probe into the incident is underway. While FedEx did not disclose the nature of the cargo, the agency emphasized that such strikes—though common—pose serious risks to aviation safety. Over 15,000 bird strikes are reported annually in the U.S., occasionally leading to catastrophic outcomes, including engine failures and rare fatalities.
Social Media Erupts with Footage
Viral clips of the flaming engine underscored the peril faced by the crew. One video, filmed from a vehicle on the Turnpike, showed the plane trailing smoke as it climbed, while another from the ground captured the engine ablaze. Online commentators expressed shock at the visuals but relief that the outcome was non-fatal.
Aviation Safety in Focus
The incident highlights the persistent threat wildlife poses to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. Engineers design engines to withstand minor impacts, but larger birds—or flocks—can cause critical damage. Saturday’s emergency landing marks a rare success story, credited to rigorous crew training and rapid emergency protocols.
CWEB will continue tracking updates from the FAA’s investigation.
CWEB Aviation Correspondent | March 2025
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