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Sudden Altitude Loss Forces JetBlue Flight to Divert to Tampa, Injuring About 15

Federal investigators are examining a reported flight-control issue following the diversion.

Overview

  • JetBlue flight 1230, an Airbus A320 traveling from Cancún to Newark, diverted to Tampa and landed around 2 p.m. local time after a sudden loss of altitude.
  • Tampa Bay Fire Rescue said roughly 15 to 20 people were taken to hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
  • The FAA said the crew reported a "problem of control of flight" and opened an investigation, and JetBlue removed the aircraft from service for inspection.
  • LiveATC audio captured pilots reporting injuries on board, including a possible head laceration, according to accounts cited by news outlets.
  • Flight-tracking data referenced by media indicated the jet descended about 30 meters in roughly seven seconds; the NTSB was notified but had not launched a formal probe.