An Atlas Air Boeing cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Miami International Airport after encountering an engine malfunction shortly after takeoff.
A video shared by user @chuckcallesto on social media showed flames shooting out of the left wing of the Boeing cargo plane midair. Thankfully, the crew followed all standard procedures and safely returned to MIA, as confirmed by Atlas Air in a statement to GulfNews.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Alleged Hitman Arrested In KwaZulu-Natal For Illegal Gun Supply
BREAKING REPORT : ⚠️ Atlas Air Boeing 747-8 from Miami International Airport CATCHES FIRE MID AIR..
DEVELOPING.. pic.twitter.com/Qk6QLZ6U7E
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 19, 2024
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 18, with the plane being in the air for approximately 14 minutes. According to air traffic recordings, the crew reported an engine fire about three minutes into the flight.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the incident. A post-flight inspection revealed a softball-size hole above the engine, indicating the severity of the malfunction.
Atlas Air spokesperson also reassured that the Boeing plane landed safely and that there were no reported injuries. It is essential to note that Atlas Air is a cargo carrier and not a passenger airline, as clarified by @terrortheerror on social media.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Two Police Officers Arrested For Theft Of State Property Worth Almost R1 Million
Reactions from users on social media varied. Some expressed concerns about the safety of Boeing aircraft, while others highlighted the importance of responsible reporting. Regardless, the safe landing of the plane and the adherence to proper procedures by the crew are commendable.
As investigations continue, it is crucial to remember that incidents like these are rare and that the aviation industry prioritizes passenger and crew safety above all else. The thorough inspection conducted by Atlas Air will help determine the cause of the engine malfunction, ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
