At least 15 people were taken to a hospital after a drop in altitude on a JetBlue flight forced an emergency landing Thursday in Tampa, officials said.
JetBlue flight 1230 was traveling from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, when it “experienced a drop in altitude,” JetBlue said in a statement. The plane was diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2 p.m. ET, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The flight disruption comes amid a stressful environment for air travel as the month-long government shutdown raises staffing issues for air traffic controllers and fuels flight delays, all while the holiday travel season looms.
The FAA said it’s investigating the “flight control issue” on the Airbus A320. It’s unclear if the National Transportation Safety Board will also investigate.
The flight was met on the ground by medical personnel, a Tampa International Airport spokesperson said.
Approximately 15 to 20 people were evaluated and transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, Tampa Bay Fire Rescue spokesperson Vivian Shedd said. No further details were available on the nature of the injuries.
Air traffic audio from LiveATC.net captured a radio call that reported injuries aboard the plane, including “maybe a laceration in the head,” the Associated Press reported.
It’s unclear why the plane dropped in altitude.
“Our team has taken the aircraft out of service for inspection, and we will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause,” JetBlue said in their statement. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved.”
The incident happened just after a strong cold front passed through Florida, leaving in its wake gusty winds and light rain showers.
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