“Atlas Air Cargo Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Miami After Engine Malfunction”
Late Thursday night, an Atlas Air cargo plane, identified as Flight 5Y095, executed an emergency landing at Miami International Airport following an engine malfunction, according to an official statement from the airline. The cargo aircraft experienced the issue soon after departing from Miami International Airport (MIA). Atlas Air assured the public that safety was their paramount concern, emphasizing that the crew adhered to standard procedures, resulting in a safe return to MIA.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the harrowing incident, showing sparks and flames emanating from the plane’s left wing. Witnesses, including Miami resident Melanie Adaros, recounted the surreal sight of the aircraft flying at a low altitude with visible signs of distress. Adaros noted the plane’s unusual behavior, including a wide turn, prompting speculation about its intended destination.
Despite initial concerns, the aircraft, identified as a Boeing 747-8 according to Flightaware data, successfully landed without incident at Miami International Airport. The plane was originally en route to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but diverted back to Miami shortly after takeoff.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue received a notification from the airport control tower about the in-flight fire, indicating sparks and flames. However, upon landing, there was no evidence of fire on the tarmac, and no injuries were reported.
An Atlas Air cargo plane was diverted back to Miami International Airport after an engine malfunction last night, per the airline. Miami resident Melanie Adaros told me she watched sparks and fire coming from a plane flying overhead “in disbelief.”
📷 @melableh pic.twitter.com/ThpHo6JCvu— Josie Harvey (@JosieHarvey_) January 19, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration and Miami International Airport have yet to provide official comments on the incident, while a Boeing spokesperson directed inquiries to Atlas Air. This event follows Boeing’s recent crisis on January 5, where the door of an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 plane malfunctioned during a flight, resulting in an emergency landing after takeoff from Portland International Airport. The ongoing fallout has led to numerous flight cancellations as Boeing conducts inspections on grounded 737 Max 9 planes.