A Boeing plane experienced a frightening incident shortly after takeoff, as captured in a video circulating on social media. The footage, taken by a ground observer, shows flames trailing from an Atlas Air flight, a Boeing 747-8, minutes after its departure from Miami International Airport on Thursday night.
BREAKING REPORT : ⚠️ Atlas Air Boeing 747-8 from Miami International Airport CATCHES FIRE MID AIR..
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) January 19, 2024
DEVELOPING.. pic.twitter.com/Qk6QLZ6U7E
A spokesperson for Miami International Airport confirmed to Newsweek that the cargo flight had landed safely back at the airport around 11 p.m. Atlas Air, addressing the incident, stated that the aircraft suffered an engine malfunction. The crew followed standard procedures and returned safely to Miami International Airport. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene, and no injuries were reported.
FlightAware records indicate that the flight, Atlas Air 95, had initially departed for Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico before being diverted back to Miami.
This incident adds to Boeing’s growing list of safety concerns. It follows a recent emergency landing on January 5 by a Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane, operated by Alaska Airlines, after a panel blew out shortly after takeoff. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating this incident, focusing on the plugs used in the MAX 9 planes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that 40 out of 171 grounded Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes require further inspection. The FAA is also examining Boeing’s manufacturing practices and production lines.
This latest incident at Miami International Airport has raised additional questions about Boeing’s aircraft safety. Boeing has appointed retired Navy Admiral Kirkland H. Donald as a special advisor to conduct a thorough review of the company’s quality management system for commercial airplanes.
