Cargo plane makes emergency landing after bird strike in US
Boeing 767 engine catches fire during takeoff, crew safely returns to airport
Credit: Social Media
ISTANBUL
A Boeing 767 cargo plane belonging to FedEx was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport after a bird strike caused one of its engines to catch fire shortly after takeoff.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. local time (1300GMT) as Flight 3609 departed for Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft safely returned to the airport in New Jersey with no injuries reported among the crew.
The agency has launched an investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating.
🚨A FedEx cargo plane made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport due to a visible fire in its engine.
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) March 1, 2025
Eyewitness videos of the incident went viral on social media ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/OVGNmlFS73
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the pilots’ quick response.
“The incident shows the quick-thinking pilots returning the plane to land safely while the engine is on fire,” Duffy wrote on X.
He highlighted the professionalism of the crew and emphasized the importance of skilled aviation professionals.
He also underlined that bird strikes are a common hazard in aviation, with more than 19,000 reported in 2023. Approximately 65% occur during takeoff or landing, and 4% - 6% result in aircraft damage, he added.
The incident comes as the US Transportation Department streamlines the FAA hiring process, reducing it from eight steps to five. “We want the best and brightest to get expedited entry into the academy,” Duffy said earlier this week, announcing increased pay for trainees.
The streamlined hiring process aims to address staffing shortages and enhance the quality of aviation professionals.
