A FedEx cargo plane caught fire after hitting a bird shortly after takeoff from Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday morning. The aircraft managed to return safely for an emergency landing, and no injuries were reported.
Engine Fire Forces Emergency Landing
The Boeing 767 had just taken off from Newark Liberty International Airport, heading to Indianapolis. About 10 minutes into the flight, the plane struck a bird, causing severe engine damage. The right engine burst into flames, and passengers on the ground saw the fire trailing behind the aircraft. Several witnesses captured the dramatic scene on video, with some gasping in shock as they watched the burning plane descend.
Air traffic controllers immediately cleared the airspace, and emergency crews prepared for the landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft returned safely to the airport at around 8 a.m. Local authorities temporarily halted all departures and arrivals as a precaution, but normal operations resumed shortly after.
Bird strikes are a known risk in aviation. While most do not cause significant damage, some can be severe, especially if they affect the engines. According to the FAA, over 15,000 bird strikes occur annually in the U.S., with most incidents happening during takeoff or landing.
A Growing Concern Over Aviation Safety
This emergency landing comes amid rising concerns about air travel safety following a string of aviation incidents. While commercial flying remains statistically safe, recent accidents have fueled public anxiety.
- January 30: An American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., killing all 67 people onboard.
- February 1: A medical transport plane crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood, resulting in seven fatalities.
- February 15: A passenger aircraft carrying 80 people flipped over while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, injuring at least 18.
These incidents have caused a surge in online searches for “Is flying safe?” A new survey found that only 64% of Americans now consider air travel safe, down from 71% last year.
Air Travel Remains Safe Despite Public Fears
Despite growing concerns, aviation experts emphasize that flying is still one of the safest modes of transportation. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that most fatal crashes involve small, private planes rather than large commercial aircraft.
In 2024, only a handful of fatal accidents involved commercial airlines. Modern planes are designed with multiple safety systems to handle emergencies, including engine failures. Pilots undergo rigorous training to respond to in-flight crises, ensuring a high survival rate even in emergency landings.
Additionally, airports worldwide have protocols to reduce bird strike risks, such as using bird-detection radar, adjusting flight schedules, and deploying trained wildlife control teams. Newark Airport has already announced a review of its bird control measures following this latest incident.
FedEx and FAA Respond to Incident
FedEx issued a statement confirming the aircraft’s safe landing and thanking the pilots and emergency responders for their swift actions. The company reassured customers that no packages were lost or damaged in the incident. The FAA has launched an investigation to determine whether further safety measures are needed to prevent similar events.
Passengers and aviation experts alike are watching closely to see how regulators address ongoing concerns about flight safety. With more people depending on air travel, ensuring confidence in airline security remains a top priority.
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