On March 1, 2025, a FedEx Boeing 767-3S2F cargo plane, Flight 3609, encountered an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport. The fire, caused by a bird strike, led the pilots to declare an emergency and return to the airport. They safely landed within nine minutes, and emergency crews quickly extinguished the flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Video footage showed flames engulfing the plane’s right engine as it made its way back to the runway. Air traffic was briefly halted but resumed shortly after. The FAA and NTSB initiated investigations, citing a rise in bird strikes, with over 19,000 incidents in 2023 alone.
FedEx praised the crew and first responders for their quick actions. After inspections, the aircraft was cleared to continue to Indianapolis later that morning, highlighting growing concerns over bird strikes in aviation.
