A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency return to Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday morning after it struck a bird during takeoff. The collision caused a fire in one of the plane’s engines, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Bird Strike Causes Engine Fire

The Boeing 767, which was on its way to Indianapolis, took off from Newark at approximately 7:50 a.m. As the aircraft gained altitude, it collided with a bird, which severely damaged its right engine. About ten minutes into the flight, flames were seen coming from the engine. The pilots quickly declared an emergency and began to turn the plane back toward Newark.

Witnesses who were nearby captured the dramatic scene, with the plane descending while flames trailed behind. Many people watching from the ground were understandably concerned as they saw the aircraft with fire visible from its right wing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft safely returned to Newark around 8 a.m. and landed without further incident.

As a precaution, air traffic at Newark was briefly halted to allow the plane to safely land. Operations at the airport resumed shortly after the plane’s return. Despite the scary scene, the crew’s quick thinking and expertise ensured that there were no casualties.

Rising Concerns Over Aviation Safety

This incident comes at a time of heightened concern about air safety. In the past few weeks, there have been multiple aviation accidents, which have raised alarm. Just last month, an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, D.C. Tragically, all 67 people on board were killed. Only two days later, a medical transport plane crashed into a neighborhood in Philadelphia, killing seven people. In mid-February, another terrifying incident occurred when a plane carrying 80 passengers overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport. At least 18 people were injured in that accident.

These incidents have sparked a wave of anxiety among the flying public. Many are worried about the safety of air travel. Online searches for questions like “Is flying safe?” have surged over the past few weeks. A recent survey conducted by a leading market research firm revealed that only 64% of Americans now feel that air travel is safe. This is a noticeable decline from the previous year, when 71% of respondents expressed confidence in the safety of flying.

Official Data Shows 2025 Is Still Safe for Air Travel

Despite growing concerns among the public, aviation experts point out that 2025 remains relatively safe for air travel. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the majority of fatal plane crashes involve smaller aircraft, which do not fall under the strict regulations of commercial airlines. These smaller planes are often used for private flights or cargo operations, which operate under different standards compared to major commercial airlines like FedEx or American Airlines.

The data also shows that the rate of accidents involving commercial airlines has significantly dropped over the past few decades. Although accidents like the one involving the FedEx cargo plane can be unsettling, they are still rare in the context of the millions of flights that take place every year.

What Caused the FedEx Cargo Plane Incident?

Bird strikes are one of the most common causes of in-flight emergencies, though they rarely lead to accidents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict guidelines and procedures in place to help prevent bird strikes, especially around airports. Many airports use radar and other technologies to monitor wildlife activity and reduce the risk of collisions. However, despite these efforts, birds can sometimes fly into the path of aircraft, causing damage to engines or other parts of the plane.

In this case, the bird strike caused significant damage to the right engine of the FedEx plane. Fortunately, the pilots were able to safely control the plane and bring it back to Newark without further complications. The quick response by the crew is a testament to the extensive training pilots undergo to handle emergencies like this.

The Impact of Recent Air Safety Concerns

The increase in air safety concerns has also raised questions about the broader state of aviation. As major airlines and cargo operators like FedEx continue to operate globally, the need for improved safety measures becomes more urgent. Experts recommend that airlines invest further in safety technology, including advanced collision avoidance systems and improved engine maintenance. These systems can help prevent accidents, even in the event of a bird strike or other unexpected incidents.

While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, experts warn that continued vigilance is necessary. As the aviation industry evolves, so must the strategies to prevent accidents and keep passengers and crew safe.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Safer Skies

Despite recent incidents and rising concerns about air safety, the evidence shows that commercial air travel continues to be a relatively safe mode of transport. The successful emergency return of the FedEx cargo plane to Newark Liberty International Airport demonstrates the effectiveness of modern aviation safety protocols.

As the aviation industry continues to focus on reducing risks, both airlines and regulators must work together to maintain high safety standards. Public confidence in flying is essential, and it can be restored through transparent communication, improvements in safety technology, and continued investment in pilot training.

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