Flames Seen on FedEx Plane as it Returns to Newark Airport
A Bird Strike Causes the Emergency Landing
A FedEx plane was seen flying while on fire Saturday morning near Newark Airport in New Jersey. Various videos posted to social media showed flames on one wing of the aircraft, a Boeing 767-3S2F.
What Happened?
A FedEx spokesperson told FOX Television Stations in an email that the flight experienced a bird strike during takeoff. “Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark,” the statement continued. “We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.” No injuries were reported, and the flight had been headed to Indianapolis.
Background on Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents and close calls that have made headlines in recent weeks have some people worried about the safety of flying. The midair collision that killed 67 near Washington D.C. in January was the worst disaster. But there was also the plane that crashed and flipped over upon landing in Toronto, the fiery plane crash in Philadelphia, and a plane crash in Alaska that killed 10, as well as two small planes that collided in Arizona.
Those all came before the scary moment this week in Chicago when a Southwest Airlines plane had to abort its landing to avoid crashing into another plane crossing the runway.
What’s Being Said?
President Donald Trump added to those concerns when, in January, he blamed the midair collision over Washington D.C. on the “obsolete” air traffic control system that airports rely on and promised to replace it.
What’s the Reality?
The track record of U.S. airlines is remarkably safe. Fatal crashes attract extraordinary attention partly because they are rare. The National Safety Council estimates that Americans have a 1-in-93 chance of dying in a motor vehicle crash, while deaths on airplanes are too rare to calculate the odds. Figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation tell a similar story.
Conclusion
The recent series of aviation accidents and close calls may have raised concerns about the safety of flying, but the reality is that U.S. airlines have a remarkable safety record. With measures in place to prevent and respond to emergencies, the risk of flying remains relatively low.
FAQs
* What was the cause of the fire on the FedEx plane?
– A bird strike during takeoff
* Were there any injuries reported?
– No, the crew and passengers were not injured
* Where was the plane headed when it experienced the emergency?
– Indianapolis
* What did the FedEx spokesperson say about the incident?
– “Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.”
