Spirit Airlines A320neo Suffers From Engine Fire After Bird Strike

A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo was swiftly evacuated today, after a bird strike set fire to one of its engines during take-off from Atlantic City International Airport (ACY/KACY).

The aircraft, registered N922NK, was performing flight NK3044 to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL/KFLL) when the pilots performed a rejected take-off, after a large bird entered the right hand engine.

As a result of the bird ingestion the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G Geared Turbofan caught fire, prompting the crew to command an evacuation using escape slides.

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A post shared by TK1 – Menderes Çakıcı (@mndrs_from_cockpit)

CHECK THIS OUT: Watch passengers slide down the emergency exit of the plane after the fire. https://t.co/CWYpXMhCeR pic.twitter.com/gJLkajU5KG

— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) October 3, 2021

We’re closely monitoring an aircraft incident that happened tonight at @ACYAirport. All passengers and crew were successfully evacuated off the plane, and no serious injuries reported. The airport has reopened.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 3, 2021

Spirit Airlines proceeded to bus over 100 passengers to the terminal where they received a refund, a flight voucher and were given the option to board another flight.