In a recent development, an Atlas Air Boeing cargo plane en route to Puerto Rico was diverted on Thursday night shortly after departing from Miami International Airport, citing engine issues, as reported by an official and flight data.
The incident poses another potential setback for Boeing, which has been under scrutiny in recent weeks due to concerns over quality control.
Atlas Air Flight 5Y095 successfully landed after encountering an “engine malfunction” following takeoff, according to a statement released by the airline early Friday. The company emphasized that the crew diligently followed standard procedures, ensuring a safe return to the airport.
Atlas Air, headquartered in New York, pledged to conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine the root cause, underscoring its commitment to safety.
FlightAware, a platform tracking flight information, revealed that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 747-8 departing from Miami International at 10:11 p.m. on Thursday and returning approximately 50 minutes later, covering a total distance of 60 miles.
Boeing, facing a series of challenges, deferred comment to Atlas Air, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) asserted that it would initiate an investigation into the matter.
Boeing’s troubles escalated in late December when it urged airlines to inspect all 737 Max airplanes for a potential loose bolt in the rudder-control system. This advisory followed the discovery of a missing nut during routine maintenance.
Subsequently, in early January, an Alaska Airlines-operated 737 Max 9 experienced a door panel detachment, leading to an emergency landing in Portland, Ore.
The FAA responded by ordering the temporary grounding of 171 Max 9 planes for thorough inspections, causing numerous flight cancellations and inconveniences for travelers.
Video credit: ABC 7 Chicago
