A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after it caught fire shortly after takeoff.
The Boeing 767-3S2F took off around 8 am on Saturday morning, but just minutes later, flames erupted from its right engine.
Footage showed the aircraft racing back to the tarmac with fire spewing from the wing as emergency crews rushed to put it out.
The plane landed safely at 8:07 am, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. No injuries were reported, and three people were onboard, Associated Press reported.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with FedEx, attributed the sudden ignition to a bird hitting the plane.
“FedEx Flight 3609 from Newark to Indianapolis experienced a bird strike during takeoff. Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders,” a FedEx spokesperson told The NY Post.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with FedEx, attributed the sudden ignition to a bird hitting the plane. “FedEx Flight 3609 from Newark to Indianapolis experienced a bird strike during takeoff. Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark.
We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders,” a FedEx spokesperson told The NY Post.
“Video from the incident shows the quick-thinking pilots returning the plane to land safely while the engine is on fire,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Reuters.