A JetBlue Airways flight operating between Cancun (Mexico) and Newark (New Jersey) was forced to make an emergency landing at Tampa International Airport this Thursday after experiencing a sudden loss of altitude. The incident left at least 15 people hospitalized, including several children, as confirmed by US authorities.
Incident and the Rapid In-Flight Response
JetBlue Flight 1230 descended abruptly around 1:48 p.m. (Miami time), dropping approximately 30 meters in just seven seconds, according to data from the Flightradar24 portal. The pilots, upon detecting a potential flight control problem, requested immediate medical assistance and diverted the aircraft to Tampa, where it landed safely around 2:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, medical personnel and emergency teams were waiting on the runway to attend to the injured, according to an airport spokesperson.
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Ongoing Investigation into Possible Technical Failure
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is investigating a possible failure in the flight control system of the involved Airbus A320, after one of the pilots reported the issue to air traffic controllers during the descent.
For its part, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated it is aware of the event, although it has not yet opened a formal investigation, according to a statement from the agency to CNN.
Prior to the incident, a cold front had moved through Florida, accompanied by wind gusts and drizzle, which could have influenced the altitude loss. However, authorities have not confirmed that weather was a determining factor.
According to Vivian Shedd, spokesperson for Tampa Bay Fire Rescue, between 15 and 20 passengers were evaluated and transported to local hospitals, all with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
JetBlue’s Reaction
In an official statement, JetBlue reported that the aircraft was taken out of service for a comprehensive inspection, while the company conducts its own internal investigation.
“The safety of our customers and crew members is always our top priority, and we will work to support those involved,” the airline stated.
The incident adds to a series of recent challenges for the aviation sector, in an environment where operational safety and passenger confidence are once again taking a central role on airlines’ agendas.
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