A Boeing cargo airliner operated by Atlas Air was forced to make an emergency landing in Florida on Thursday night due to an engine malfunction shortly after takeoff. The incident further adds to the list of setbacks for the troubled aircraft manufacturer.

Eyewitness footage shared on social media captured the alarming scene as the Boeing 747-8 aircraft circled back to Miami International Airport, trailing flames and sparks from its left wing. The crew of five on board followed standard procedures and successfully returned to the airport, according to a statement from Atlas Air.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its investigation into the incident, revealing that a post-flight inspection uncovered a "softball-sized hole" above one of the aircraft's four engines. The FAA did not provide specific details regarding the time or cause of the damage.

The affected plane, commonly known as a jumbo jet, is equipped with General Electric GEnx engines. The pilot communicated a fire in the left-wing engine closest to the fuselage through an emergency call to the Miami control tower. The fire reportedly started while the aircraft was gaining altitude after takeoff.

General Electric Aerospace released a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and confirmed their provision of technical assistance to the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board as they investigate the incident.

This incident comes in the wake of a series of safety issues plaguing Boeing's aircraft. As a result, the FAA recently announced increased oversight of the company. The agency is already conducting a formal inquiry into a cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 aircraft earlier this month.

Furthermore, a crack discovered in the cockpit window of a Boeing 737-800 belonging to Nippon Airlines prompted its return to the departure airport.

These safety incidents mark the most significant crisis for Boeing since the grounding of the 737 Max 8 aircraft model following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the loss of 346 lives.

Boeing, referring questions about the incident to Atlas Air, expressed support for the ongoing investigation by the NTSB. CEO Dave Calhoun addressed employees in an all-hands town hall meeting following the Alaska Airlines blowout, accepting the company's responsibility for the incident.

In an effort to enhance safety and quality control measures, Boeing announced the hiring of retired US Navy Admiral Kirkland Donald as an independent special adviser. Donald will conduct a comprehensive assessment of Boeing's quality management system for commercial airplanes and provide recommendations for improvement.

As the investigation into the emergency landing in Florida continues, all eyes remain on Boeing as the company strives to restore confidence in its aircraft and prioritize the safety of passengers and crew.