FedEx 767 Makes Emergency Landing at Newark After Engine Fire
In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday, March 1, 2025, a FedEx 767 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) after experiencing a significant engine fire. The Boeing 767-3S2F cargo plane, just minutes into its scheduled flight to Indianapolis, returned to Newark amid reports of technical difficulties with its right engine.
The incident occurred when FedEx Express flight FX3609, operated using a relatively young 5.6-year-old Boeing 767-3S2F (registration N178FE), took off from Newark at 12:58 PM UTC. According to FlightRadar24 data, the flight crew reported issues with the right engine shortly after departure, prompting an immediate request for emergency landing clearance.
Dramatic FedEx Engine Fire Captured on Video
Airport personnel and aviation enthusiasts captured remarkable footage of the FedEx 767 engine fire, showing flames visibly emanating from the right GE CF6 engine as the aircraft circled back toward Newark. The videos, which quickly spread across social media platforms, documented the aircraft’s distress as it prepared for an emergency return.
The FedEx Express crew executed a heavy landing back at Newark Liberty International Airport at 13:07 AM UTC, just nine minutes after initial takeoff. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and awaited the aircraft’s arrival on the runway.
“The professional response from both the flight crew and ground emergency personnel was exemplary,” noted an aviation safety expert who reviewed the incident footage. “Their quick decision-making potentially averted a much more serious situation.”
World’s Largest Cargo Carrier Faces Rare In-Flight Emergency
The incident involved one of the fleet aircraft belonging to FedEx Express, recognized as the world’s largest cargo airline both in fleet size and freight tons flown. As the primary subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, the company maintains an extensive global network connecting over 375 destinations across 220 countries and territories.
This FedEx 767 emergency landing represents a relatively rare occurrence for the Memphis-based cargo giant, which has established itself as a critical component of global supply chains. The company’s air operation facilitates international trade through comprehensive air freight and package delivery services, with daily flights connecting major commercial centers worldwide.
Aviation authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the engine fire. However, preliminary reports suggest that the GE CF6 engine, which powers the Boeing 767-3S2F aircraft, experienced a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff.
The incident comes at a time when aviation safety remains under intense scrutiny. The swift response from the flight crew, coupled with the aircraft’s ability to safely return to Newark despite the engine fire, demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency protocols and crew training.
As investigations continue into the exact nature of the technical issues that led to the FedEx 767 engine fire, cargo operations at Newark Liberty International Airport have reportedly resumed normal operations following a brief disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FedEx 767 Emergency Landing
What type of engine was involved in the FedEx 767 fire?
The Boeing 767-3S2F aircraft (registration N178FE) is powered by General Electric CF6 engines. The CF6 is a family of high-bypass turbofan engines with a solid safety record, though like all jet engines, they can experience technical malfunctions. In this case, the right engine experienced an anomaly that resulted in visible flames.
How common are engine fires on commercial aircraft?
Engine fires on commercial aircraft are relatively rare events, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 flights. Modern aircraft are designed with extensive fire suppression systems, and flight crews undergo rigorous training to handle such emergencies. Most engine fire events are successfully contained without injury to crew or significant damage beyond the engine itself.
What safety systems does a Boeing 767 have to deal with engine fires?
Boeing 767 aircraft are equipped with sophisticated fire detection and suppression systems that can quickly identify and address engine fires. These include temperature sensors throughout the engine compartment, automated fire extinguishing equipment, and engine isolation protocols that allow pilots to shut down affected engines while maintaining control of the aircraft on the remaining engine.
Will this incident affect FedEx’s delivery operations?
FedEx Express maintains a fleet of over 650 aircraft, allowing for significant operational flexibility. While the affected aircraft will undergo thorough inspection and repair, FedEx has redundancy built into its network to accommodate the temporary loss of a single aircraft. Customers should not experience noticeable delays as a result of this isolated incident.
How are pilots trained to handle engine emergencies?
Cargo and commercial pilots undergo extensive simulator training specifically focused on engine emergencies. This training includes recognizing engine fire warnings, executing emergency checklists, communicating with air traffic control, and safely landing the aircraft with a compromised engine. Pilots typically refresh this training every six months to maintain proficiency.
What investigation will follow this incident?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will likely conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. This will include examining the engine, reviewing flight data recorders, interviewing the flight crew, and analyzing maintenance records. The investigation could take 6-12 months to complete, with preliminary findings possibly released within weeks.