Turkish Airlines flight TK713 makes emergency landing in Dhaka after engine catches fire due to bird strike; all 290 passengers escape unhurt.
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| Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 with 290 on board narrowly avoids tragedy after engine fire forces emergency landing in Dhaka following bird collision. |
DHAKA, Bangladesh — May 20, 2025:
A major aviation disaster was narrowly avoided in Dhaka on Tuesday morning when a Turkish Airlines flight carrying 290 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing after one of its engines caught fire due to a bird strike shortly after takeoff.
Flight TK713, operated by an Airbus A330-303, had just departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7:00 am, en route to Istanbul, when the incident occurred. According to Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, Executive Director of the airport, the aircraft’s engine ignited moments after takeoff following a mid-air collision with a bird.
“The pilot saw a spark in one of the engines shortly after liftoff,” said Samad. “It was a critical moment, but the crew acted quickly and professionally. The pilot immediately initiated emergency landing procedures.”
Thanks to the swift response by the flight crew, the plane was able to return safely to the runway at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport without any reported injuries. All 290 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and no casualties occurred.
Videos and eyewitness accounts captured smoke trailing from the aircraft as it descended for its emergency landing. Emergency teams at the airport were on standby and responded promptly upon the aircraft’s return.
The incident highlights the persistent risk of bird strikes, a known hazard in aviation that can lead to serious mechanical failures. Aircraft engines are particularly vulnerable during takeoff and landing when they operate at full thrust and are closest to bird flight paths.
Turkish Airlines has yet to issue a formal statement, but airport authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Maintenance checks are also being conducted to assess the extent of the engine damage.
The passengers were escorted safely from the plane and arrangements are being made for their continued travel.
The successful emergency landing avoided what could have been a catastrophic outcome, drawing praise for the pilot's quick decision-making and the airport's emergency response readiness.