A fire broke out in the fourth engine of an inbound international cargo flight from Kuala Lumpur as it was landing in Chennai on Tuesday. According to sources as quoted by news agency PTI, the blaze was extinguished without any injuries.
Airport Authority of India, Chennai Airport issues statement
The Airport Authority of India, Chennai Airport, issued a statement. "It is hereby stated that there was no major fire in the engine while landing. There was a minor spark and smoke in the engine, which may be due to oil dirt, residues, etc. The aircraft didn't suffer any damage. This has been blown out of proportion. We request the media and press who are business partners of Chennai International Airport to refrain from publishing such reports without confirming from the O/o Airport Director, Chennai Airport so as to not create panic among the travelling public," read its statement.
FedEx cargo plane catches fire after bird strike
In a similar incident in March this year, a FedEx cargo aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after flames erupted from one of its engines shortly after takeoff.
Fire in right engine minutes after takeoff
The Boeing 767-3S2F took off around 8 a.m., but within minutes, its right engine caught fire. Dramatic footage showed the plane racing back to the runway with flames spewing from its wing as emergency crews mobilized to extinguish the blaze.
The aircraft landed safely at 8:07 a.m., according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. None of the three people on board were injured, Associated Press reported.
Cause traced to bird strike
Authorities and FedEx attributed the incident to a bird strike during takeoff. "FedEx Flight 3609 from Newark to Indianapolis experienced a bird strike during takeoff. Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark. We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and first responders," a FedEx spokesperson told The New York Post.
A LiveATC audio recording captured the tense exchange between the crew and air traffic control. One pilot can be heard reporting: "Right engine shut down for a possible bird strike. We need to return back to the airport." Another voice later reported seeing what appeared to be the plane’s "engine fall off the right wing," NBC News reported.
