FedEx Cargo Plane Goes Up in Flames After Dramatic Bird Strike
Buckle up, folks! A routine FedEx cargo flight took a wild turn on the morning of March 1st after a bird apparently decided to play with fate and struck the Boeing 767 right during takeoff at Newark Liberty International Airport. That unfortunate encounter ignited a fire in one of the engines and sent the crew scrambling back to safety. Talk about a bird-brained situation!
The aircraft, operating as Flight 3609 and originally bound for Indianapolis, found itself in a serious bind just moments after lifting off. Witnesses captured the pandemonium on video, showcasing a plane that was not just carrying packages but also a serious dose of adrenaline. Flames shot from near the right wing as the plane gracefully—albeit dangerously—turned around for an emergency landing at about 8:07 a.m. local time.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew or (potentially) passengers—though the exact number of folks aboard was still a mystery. FedEx expressed gratitude for the professionalism displayed by the flight crew, noting, “The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary.” After the dazzling display of emergency response, air traffic operations returned to normal, albeit after a brief pause for the fire to cool off.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), always on the case when it comes to ensuring our skies stay safe, is now investigating the ins and outs of this wildlife strike. They’re eager to uncover all the details about what went down with this fiery flight. Interestingly, bird strikes, while not uncommon, have generated increased concerns over air safety. According to data from the FAA, there were over 13,000 reported incidents involving birds and planes between 1990 and 2019, with a notable rise in recent years.
So while we applaud the skills of the FedEx crew, let’s also spare a thought for all those birds out there who have learned that sometimes, flying too close to big metal machines might just lead to a sizzling side show! As for the grounded Boeing 767, it remains “disabled on a runway” as the FAA continues its investigation into this hot mess.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, FAA Reports, Aviation Safety Network
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