Aircraft Experienced a Bird Strike On Initial Climb From Newark

At around 1:00 pm on March 1, FedEx flight FX3609 experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The aircraft, en route to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), returned safely to Newark following the emergency.

“The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary,” explained FedEx spokesperson Austin Kemker. “We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.”

The Boeing 767-3S2F, registered as N178FE, had just begun its climbout from Newark when a bird strike caused significant damage to its No. 2 engine. Flames were visible from the right engine, prompting the flight crew to declare an emergency and request an immediate return to the airport. Audio from LiveATC captured the pilots calmly communicating the situation, reporting a possible bird strike and subsequent engine shutdown.

According to witnesses, including another pilot at Newark, the damaged engine was observed emitting flames as the aircraft landed. The emergency response team quickly contained the fire and all three crew members on board exited the aircraft without injury. The aircraft only sustained minor damage since the fire did not spread past the engine. The event temporarily halted air traffic at Newark, though normal operations resumed within 20 minutes.

“They handled it like champs,” noted Kenneth Hoffman, a pilot on another flight that was pushing back. “At the end of the day, that’s what our training is all about.”

This emergency landing comes amid heightened attention on aviation safety, following several recent high-profile accidents in the US and Canada. This includes a 67-fatality midair collision between an American Eagle jet and a US Army Blackhawk helicopter as well as an Endeavor Air CRJ900 landing upside down, injuring at least 18 passengers.

The FAA and the NTSB have both launched investigations into the incident.

FMI: www.fedex.com