Passengers and airport staff watched in horror as a FedEx cargo plane erupted into flames moments after taking off from Newark Liberty International Airport. The terrifying incident, caused by a catastrophic engine fire following a bird strike, forced the pilots to make an emergency landing just minutes after departure.
A Flight Turns into a Fireball
The Boeing 767-3S2F, en route to Indianapolis, had barely lifted off when its right engine suffered a sudden explosion, sending a massive fireball trailing behind the aircraft. Witnesses described the terrifying scene as flames and thick black smoke poured from the jet, illuminating the early morning sky.
“It looked like something out of a disaster movie,” said one eyewitness at the airport. “The plane had just taken off, and suddenly there was this huge burst of fire. It was terrifying.”
Quick-Thinking Crew Saves Lives
Despite the extreme danger, the experienced FedEx pilots remained calm under pressure, immediately declaring an emergency and turning the aircraft back toward Newark. Just nine minutes after departure, the plane executed a successful emergency landing, with emergency responders already awaiting its arrival.
Amazingly, all crew members escaped unharmed. Firefighters swiftly extinguished the remaining flames as the aircraft came to a halt on the runway.
FAA Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an official investigation into the incident. Initial reports indicate that a bird strike may have been responsible for the fire. Bird strikes are a well-known aviation hazard, but while they often cause minor damage, in rare cases they can lead to catastrophic failures—such as the famous “Miracle on the Hudson” incident in 2009.
According to FAA data, there were over 19,000 bird strikes reported across the U.S. in 2023, a 14% increase from the previous year. Aviation experts have pointed out that as global air traffic rises, so too does the risk of wildlife-related incidents.
FedEx Responds
FedEx, one of the world’s leading cargo airlines, issued a statement thanking the flight crew and emergency responders for their swift actions.
“Safety is our highest priority,” the statement read. “We are grateful that our crew is safe, and we are cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of this incident.”
What Happens Next?
Newark Liberty International Airport briefly suspended departures following the emergency landing but resumed normal operations within an hour. Authorities will now conduct a full inspection of the aircraft and review black box data to determine the exact sequence of events.
While the quick actions of the pilots and airport emergency teams prevented disaster, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in aviation—and the incredible skill required to navigate them.
For now, aviation experts and safety regulators will be watching closely to see what lessons can be learned from this near-tragedy in the skies over Newark.
