Particle.news
Download on the App Store

JetBlue Flight Reports Near Miss With U.S. Air Force Tanker Off Curaçao

Authorities are reviewing the pilot’s report that a tanker flew without a transponder near Curaçao.

Overview

  • JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York halted its climb and briefly descended after a U.S. refueling tanker crossed its path at the same altitude within roughly 2–5 miles, cockpit audio indicates.
  • The pilot said the military aircraft’s transponder was off, and Curaçao air traffic control told the crew it could not see the tanker on radar.
  • JetBlue said it reported the incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation.
  • U.S. Southern Command and the Air Force said they are aware of the reports and are reviewing the matter, with no public findings yet.
  • The encounter occurred during expanded U.S. operations near Venezuela, after the FAA warned in November for pilots to exercise caution in the region.