A FedEx cargo aircraft suffered an air incident on March 1, 2025, after striking a bird shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The Boeing 767-3S2F aircraft registered N178FE was operating FedEx Flight 3609 on a domestic route to Indianapolis International Airport (IND).
According to initial reports, the freighter took off as scheduled but collided with a bird moments later, resulting in a fire in the #2 engine. The crew immediately declared an emergency and opted to return to Newark, successfully landing just nine minutes after departure.
“FedEx Flight 3609 from Newark to Indianapolis experienced a bird strike during takeoff,” a FedEx spokesperson told The New York Post. “Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.”
Video footage shared on social media captured the dramatic return, showing visible flames erupting from the aircraft’s right engine. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft landed safely.
WATCH: FedEx Flight 3609 makes emergency landing at Newark Airport after engine catches fire pic.twitter.com/K2uyWF1v5o
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) March 1, 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened an investigation.
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The swift actions of the FedEx crew in handling the emergency highlight the critical importance of rigorous pilot training and emergency preparedness in aviation. Their ability to return the aircraft safely underscores the industry’s commitment to safety.