On Saturday morning, a FedEx Boeing 767-3S2F was seen flying with flames on one of its wings near Newark Airport in New Jersey. Various social media videos captured the alarming sight. A FedEx spokesperson later confirmed that the plane had experienced a bird strike during takeoff, which likely caused the fire.
“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. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders,” the statement read, in part.
Recent aviation accidents and close calls have raised concerns about flight safety. In January, a midair collision near Washington D.C. tragically claimed 67 lives.
Other notable incidents included a plane crash and flip in Toronto, a fiery crash in Philadelphia, a fatal crash in Alaska that killed 10, and a collision between two small planes in Arizona. Just this week, a Southwest Airlines plane had to abort its landing in Chicago to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft crossing the runway.
In January 2025, a Learjet 55 on a medical assignment crashed in Northeast Philadelphia, erupting into a fiery explosion upon impact, according to officials.
The plane, which departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, went down near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard just after 6 p.m.
Authorities confirmed six people were on board, including a pilot, medic, flight crew members, and possibly a patient. While multiple casualties have been reported, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker did not confirm an exact number.
“We’re just asking for prayers for any and everyone who may have been affected,” Parker said, urging residents to stay away from the crash site.
