Chennai Airport Emergency As Cargo Flight Lands With Engine Ablaze

A cargo aircraft arriving in Chennai from Kuala Lumpur experienced an engine fire while landing on Tuesday. The blaze, which broke out in the plane's fourth engine, was swiftly contained after touchdown. Officials confirmed that no crew members were injured, and the cause of the incident is now under investigation.

Incident Details

According to sources cited by PTI, the fire occurred just as the inbound international cargo flight was completing its landing approach. Emergency crews promptly responded, ensuring the flames were extinguished without harm to anyone on board.

Similar Past Case: FedEx Cargo Plane Fire After Bird Strike

This event follows a similar episode in March when a FedEx cargo aircraft was forced into an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after flames erupted from one of its engines minutes after takeoff.

The Boeing 767-3S2F had departed around 8 a.m., but shortly thereafter, its right engine caught fire. Dramatic footage captured the plane's urgent return to the runway, flames trailing from its wing as ground crews prepared to extinguish the fire. The aircraft landed safely at 8:07 a.m., and all three people on board escaped injury, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Cause Confirmed as Bird Strike

FedEx and aviation authorities later confirmed the incident was triggered by a bird strike during takeoff. A FedEx spokesperson told The New York Post, "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."

LiveATC audio from the flight revealed the tense moments in the cockpit. One pilot reported, "Right engine shut down for a possible bird strike. We need to return back to the airport." Another voice later described seeing what looked like the plane's "engine fall off the right wing," NBC News reported.