An investigation has been launched after a Boeing 747 operated by Atlas Air suffered an engine fire after taking off from Miami.
Atlas Air flight 95 departed Miami International Airport (MIA) at 10:30pm on Thursday on route to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico.
Videos on social media showed the flaming aircraft in flight before it made an emergency landing back at MIA.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.
Initially, the FAA said an inspection identified a softball-sized hole above the engine.
The NTSB “has opened an investigation and is collecting information to evaluate and determine scope of the investigation.”
No injuries were reported, with all five crew members safely returning to the airport.
In a statement, Atlas Air said “the crew followed all standard procedures and safely returned.” The cargo carrier has stated it will conduct an inspection to identify what caused the engine fire.
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It’s not known what cargo was being carried at the time of the incident.
GE Aerospace, the manufacturer of the engines on the 747-8, stated: “Safety is our first priority, and GE Aerospace is providing technical assistance to our customer, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board as they investigate the incident.”
Air Cargo Week has reached out to Atlas Air and Boeing for comment.
