FedEx Cargo Plane Catches Fire Midair Before Emergency Landing in Newark

A terrifying moment unfolded in the skies above Newark Liberty International Airport when a FedEx cargo plane caught fire midair shortly after takeoff. Thanks to the quick-thinking crew, the aircraft made a safe emergency landing, avoiding what could have been a disastrous situation. The incident, believed to have been caused by a bird strike, has once again brought aviation safety into the spotlight.

A FedEx Boeing 767-3S2F engine caught fire shortly after taking off from Newark Airport Saturday morning.

A Routine Flight Turns into an Emergency

On the morning of March 1, 2025, FedEx Flight 3609, a Boeing 767-3S2F aircraft, took off from Newark Airport, headed to Indianapolis. Everything seemed normal—until moments after takeoff when the plane’s right engine suddenly burst into flames. A bird strike is suspected to have caused the fire, forcing the pilots to act fast.

Eyewitnesses on the ground and passengers from other flights watched in shock as flames and smoke billowed from the engine. Video footage taken by bystanders quickly went viral, showing the fiery jet making a swift return to the airport.

Heroic Crew Response

In high-pressure moments like these, experience and training matter most. The flight crew immediately declared an emergency and prepared for an urgent landing. Just nine minutes after takeoff, the plane safely touched down at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Emergency responders were already on standby as the aircraft taxied to a halt. Fortunately, the fire did not spread beyond the engine, and the crew escaped unscathed.

Airport Chaos and Passenger Concerns

The emergency landing briefly disrupted operations at Newark Airport, with some flights delayed while responders handled the situation. While no passengers were on board the cargo plane, the incident left many travelers at the airport shaken. Some expressed concerns over aviation safety, particularly the risks posed by bird strikes.

What Caused the Fire?

Authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched an investigation into the incident. Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation, and while they rarely lead to severe emergencies, they can cause serious damage. The FedEx plane’s engine fire highlights the potential dangers of such encounters.

Bird strikes occur more frequently than most people realize. According to the FAA, over 14,000 incidents are reported annually in the U.S. alone. While modern aircraft are built to withstand these collisions, they can still lead to dangerous situations, as seen in this case.

Similar Incidents in Aviation History

This is not the first time a bird strike has led to an aviation emergency. One of the most famous incidents occurred in 2009 when US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese, forcing Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger to land the plane safely in the Hudson River. Miraculously, all 155 people on board survived, and the event became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

FedEx has also had its share of aviation incidents. In 1997, FedEx Flight 14, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, crashed upon landing at Newark due to pilot error. Though the aircraft was destroyed, all five crew members survived.

What’s Next?

While aviation technology has advanced significantly, bird strikes remain a challenge. Airports use various methods to prevent such incidents, including radar detection, habitat management, and even trained birds of prey to scare off flocks. Yet, as this FedEx emergency shows, the risk is never entirely eliminated.

For now, the investigation into the Newark incident will determine whether additional safety measures should be implemented. What remains clear, however, is that the flight crew’s swift actions and adherence to safety protocols prevented a catastrophe.

Final Thoughts

The FedEx plane fire is a stark reminder that, despite all the safety advancements, unexpected emergencies can still happen in aviation. The quick response of the pilots and emergency teams ensured that this was a story of survival, not tragedy. As investigations continue, airlines and aviation authorities will likely reassess strategies to minimize risks and enhance safety measures.

For passengers and the general public, this incident serves as reassurance that trained professionals are always prepared for the unexpected, making air travel one of the safest modes of transportation today.