FedEx Flight 3609 Returns Safely After Bird Strike Causes Engine Fire
Newark, New Jersey – On March 1, 2025, a FedEx cargo aircraft, Flight 3609, encountered a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), resulting in an engine fire. The Boeing 767-3S2F, en route to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), safely returned to Newark approximately nine minutes after departure.
Incident Details:
Flight Information: FedEx Flight 3609, operated by a Boeing 767-3S2F registered as N178FE, departed Newark at 7:58 a.m. on March 1, 2025, bound for Indianapolis.
Bird Strike and Engine Fire: Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird, leading to a fire in the number two engine. The crew declared an emergency and initiated a return to Newark.
Emergency Landing: The aircraft landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport at 8:07 a.m., with no injuries reported among the three crew members on board.
Official Statements:
FedEx: A FedEx spokesperson confirmed the bird strike during takeoff and praised the crew’s quick actions, stating, “We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders.”
FAA and NTSB: Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations into the incident.
Bird Strike Statistics:
According to a U.S. Department of Transportation report, there were over 19,000 bird strikes in 2023, marking a 14% increase from 2022. Approximately 65% of these incidents occur during takeoff or landing, with around 5% resulting in aircraft damage.
