FedEx flight catches fire after colliding with bird during takeoff

A FedEx cargo plane traveling from Newark to Indianapolis struck a bird during takeoff Saturday morning, according to officials.

FedEx Flight 3609 struck the bird while departing, damaging one of the Boeing 767’s engines, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

Videos circulating on X appear to show the plane on fire while in the air.

Read also: FedEx establishes direct presence in Nigeria to support customers with international trade

“Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark (after) dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire. The training, expertise, and professionalism demonstrated by our FedEx pilots was exemplary.” FedEx said in a statement cited by USA Today.

The US National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation into the 767’s emergency landing, according to Reuters on Saturday evening.