A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on a Saturday morning after a bird strike caused one of its engines to catch fire. The incident happened shortly after takeoff, sending flames into the sky and capturing the attention of nearby residents and social media users alike. This wasn’t just a routine flight gone wrong—it was a dramatic event that reminded everyone how unpredictable air travel can be, even for commercial cargo planes.

The Boeing 767 cargo plane had been en route from Newark to Indianapolis when the bird hit one of its engines during departure. Witnesses posted videos online showing flames trailing from the engine as the aircraft made a controlled emergency landing. Federal officials, including the FAA, confirmed the bird strike as the cause of the fire, though no injuries were reported.

While incidents like these might seem rare, they actually happen more often than most people think. Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation, and this event at Newark has reignited conversations around safety, preparedness, and the realities of flying in busy airspaces. Let’s take a closer look at what went down, what we know, and why it’s worth paying attention.

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Table of Contents

• What Happened With the FedEx Cargo Plane Emergency Landing?
• Timeline of the Emergency Landing
• Causes Behind the Incident
• Impact on Airport Operations and Passengers
• Safety Protocols in Cargo Aviation
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Happened With the FedEx Cargo Plane Emergency Landing?

On a Saturday morning, a FedEx Boeing 767 cargo plane took off from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, heading toward Indianapolis. But just moments after takeoff, something went wrong. The plane struck a bird, which caused one of its engines to catch fire. That’s when the emergency landing had to happen.

According to airport officials and the FAA, the bird strike was the direct cause of the engine fire. The aircraft was able to return safely to Newark for an emergency landing, with no injuries reported. Footage from eyewitnesses showed flames coming from the affected engine as the plane made its descent.

This wasn’t just a minor incident—it was a dramatic event that caught the attention of the public and media. For many, it was a reminder of how even the most advanced aircraft aren’t immune to nature’s surprises.

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Timeline of the Emergency Landing

Let’s walk through the key moments of that Saturday morning:

1. Takeoff: The FedEx cargo plane left the runway at Newark Liberty International Airport.
2. Bird strike: Shortly after takeoff, the plane collided with a bird.
3. Engine fire: The impact caused one of the engines to ignite, with flames clearly visible.
4. Decision to turn back: The crew assessed the situation and decided to make an emergency landing back at Newark.
5. Safe landing: The aircraft landed safely, with no injuries to crew or damage to the airport.

The entire event unfolded quickly, but thanks to the training and experience of the crew, things didn’t spiral into disaster. That’s a big part of why incidents like these are worth talking about—they highlight the importance of preparedness in aviation.

Causes Behind the Incident

So what exactly caused the fire? The answer lies in what’s known as a bird strike. Birds and planes don’t mix well. When a bird gets sucked into an engine, it can cause serious damage, and in this case, it sparked a fire.

According to reports from the FAA, the bird strike was the primary cause of the engine fire. The plane’s design and the crew’s response helped prevent a more serious outcome. These kinds of strikes happen more often than people realize, but not every one leads to an emergency landing.

Still, this incident raises questions about how airports can better manage wildlife to reduce the chances of such events. For now, though, the focus remains on the crew’s ability to handle the situation calmly and effectively.

Impact on Airport Operations and Passengers

While the FedEx cargo plane landed safely, the incident did cause some disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport. Emergency crews were deployed, and some flights were delayed or rerouted while the situation was handled. However, the airport was able to resume normal operations relatively quickly.

Passengers at the airport reported seeing the plane land with flames coming from one engine. Some said it was a surreal experience, especially since it happened during a busy morning. For those on the ground, it was a reminder of how close aviation incidents can feel, even when they happen from a distance.

Despite the drama, the overall impact was limited, and no injuries were reported. That’s a testament to both the preparedness of the airport staff and the training of the FedEx crew.

Safety Protocols in Cargo Aviation

One thing this incident shows is just how much goes into keeping flights safe. Cargo planes like the FedEx Boeing 767 are built to handle a range of emergencies, and crews are trained for situations like engine fires or bird strikes.

Here’s a look at some of the safety measures that likely helped prevent a worse outcome:

• Regular maintenance: Cargo planes undergo strict maintenance schedules to ensure they’re always ready for unexpected issues.
• Emergency protocols: Pilots and crew are trained to respond quickly and calmly in the event of an in-flight emergency.
• Communication with air traffic control: The crew maintained clear communication with the tower, which helped them coordinate a safe return.
• Advanced aircraft design: Modern planes are built to withstand a certain amount of damage and still operate safely.

These layers of safety help explain why, even in a dramatic situation like this, things didn’t go off the rails. It’s a good reminder that while we often hear about the rare mishaps, the vast majority of flights go off without a hitch thanks to these systems.

Learn more about aviation safety standards on our site, and check out how emergency protocols work in commercial aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the FedEx cargo plane to make an emergency landing?

The emergency landing was caused by a bird strike that led to an engine fire. The bird hit the plane shortly after takeoff, damaging one of the engines and igniting a fire. The crew then made the decision to return to Newark for a safe landing.

Was anyone hurt during the incident?

No injuries were reported during the emergency landing. The crew remained calm and followed protocol, allowing for a controlled landing without any harm to personnel or damage to the airport.

How common are bird strikes in aviation?

Bird strikes are actually quite common in aviation. According to the FAA, there are thousands of reported bird strikes each year in the U.S. alone. Most don’t result in serious damage or emergencies, but when they do, they can lead to situations like the one seen with this FedEx cargo plane.

For more on this topic, you can check out the official Federal Aviation Administration website.