A Boeing cargo plane headed for Puerto Rico suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff and was diverted to Miami International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The episode marks another potential setback for Boeing, which has been in the spotlight in recent weeks for quality control concerns.
Atlas Air Flight 5Y095 experienced an “engine failure” shortly after takeoff but landed safely, the airline announced early Friday.
Video taken from the ground showed flames repeatedly erupting from the plane during the flight.
In its initial report on the incident, the FAA said a post-flight inspection revealed a “softball-sized hole” above the second engine. He said he would investigate further.
“The crew followed all standard procedures and returned safely to the airport,” Atlas Air said in a statement. “Safety is always our top priority at Atlas and we will be conducting a thorough inspection to determine the cause.”
It is unclear what kind of cargo the plane was carrying.
Data collected by FlightAwareFlight tracking showed the plane was a Boeing 747-8 that left the gate at Miami International Airport at 10:11 p.m. Thursday. The plane returned to the airport around 10:30 a.m., the FAA said.
A Boeing spokesperson said early Friday that the company was pending comment on Atlas Air.
Founded in 1992 and based in New York, Atlas Air claims to operate the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighters. According to the website. The company also offers customers aircraft suitable for cargo and passenger operations, such as the Boeing 777 and 737.
In late December, Boeing ordered airlines to inspect the rudder control system bolts on all 737 Max planes for looseness after airlines discovered missing bolts and nuts during routine maintenance. Problems began to mount.
In early January, the company’s problems escalated further after a door panel on a 737 Max 9 plane operated by Alaska Airlines blew off and it made an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, prompting the FAA to shut down 171 planes until a thorough inspection was conducted. ordered the temporary suspension of operations of its Max 9 aircraft. It has caused hundreds of flight cancellations and headaches for travelers.
FAA officials on Wednesday said initial inspections of 40 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft have been completed, but those planes and many others will remain grounded until the FAA agrees to inspection instructions for airlines. It was announced that it would be.
As Boeing struggles, longtime rival Airbus has moved ahead, announcing this month that it will deliver more planes than Boeing in 2023 and secure more orders.
Victor Mather Contributed to the report.