The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating an engine fire incident involving a FedEx Boeing 767-300F. The aircraft ‒ registered as N178FE ‒ landed safely back in Newark, New Jersey, Saturday morning.
According to air traffic control recordings, the crew reported a bird strike shortly after departing Newark. The flight was bound for Indianapolis.
The aircraft landed approximately eight minutes later. A fire was indicated in the No. 2 engine, which the crew tried to extinguish with both fire bottles.
However, upon landing, flames were still visible from the engine. Fire crews responded and no injuries were reported among the three crew members.
“Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark after dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire,” FedEx said in a statement to NBC News.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the bird strike and subsequent engine damage. In a statement, the agency added that it will also investigate the incident.
