Monday, November 11, 2024 A Hainan Airlines flight bound for Shenzhen, China, was forced to return to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport shortly after takeoff on Sunday when a bird strike caused an engine fire, airport officials reported. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which took off at 9:55 a.m.
local time with 249 passengers and 16 crew members on board, encountered the incident minutes after departure, leading to a quick response by the crew and airport authorities. As the aircraft climbed after takeoff, it reportedly collided with a bird, causing the engine on the right side to catch fire. In-flight bird strikes, while relatively common, are a recognized hazard in aviation and can lead to significant safety risks.
Following standard safety protocols, the crew immediately declared an emergency and prepared to return to Fiumicino Airport. To ensure a safe landing, the plane performed a fuel dump over the sea before completing its approach back to the airport. Flames were visible from the right engine, as captured in videos posted on local media outlets.
The footage showed the aircraft emitting flames from one side, a visual confirmation of the engine damage that prompted the quick return. Upon landing, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Airport officials commended the swift actions of the Hainan Airlines crew and ground control teams, which were instrumental in ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
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