A FedEx cargo plane made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday morning after a bird strike damaged one of its engines. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. as FedEx Flight 3609 was departing for Indianapolis, according to the Port Authority.
- FedEx cargo plane made emergency landing.
- Incident occurred at Newark Liberty Airport.
- Plane struck a bird, damaging engine.
- No injuries reported from the incident.
- Air traffic briefly halted, now resumed.
- FedEx praised crew's professionalism and response.
The crew declared an emergency and successfully returned to Newark without any injuries reported. Videos from witnesses in Elizabeth showed the plane engulfed in flames, prompting a temporary halt to air traffic, which has since resumed. The FAA is conducting an investigation into the incident.
The emergency landing involved a Boeing 767 operated by FedEx. The flight, designated as Flight 3609, was departing Newark for Indianapolis when it struck a bird shortly after takeoff. The impact caused significant damage to one of the engines, leading the crew to declare an emergency and return to the airport.
Key details include:
- Time of incident: Just after 8 a.m.
- Aircraft type: Boeing 767
- Flight route: Newark to Indianapolis
Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was reported to be disabled on the runway. The Port Authority confirmed that air traffic was briefly halted as a safety precaution but has since resumed normal operations. FedEx expressed gratitude for the professionalism of its pilots and the quick response from first responders.
This incident underscores the importance of safety protocols in aviation. The quick actions of the crew ensured the safety of all on board, and investigations by the FAA will help determine any necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
