Pilot’s chilling call to ATC as plane suddenly plummets 25,000 feet | World | News
At least 15 passengers were injured when a JetBlue passenger plane suddenly crashed at an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. It was heard that the A320 pilot asked for medical help from air traffic controllers after the plane had control problems and had to make an emergency landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said JetBlue flight (B61230) was bound for Newark, New Jersey, after leaving Cancún, Mexico, on Thursday, October 30, but was diverted to Florida. The plane had reached an altitude of 35,000 feet and a cruising speed of more than 620 mph before crashing suddenly about an hour into the flight. In the voice recording released now, the pilot can be heard saying, “JetBlue 1230 is going down to 10,000, we are leveling up to 297.” “We need medical equipment; we have at least three injured people, maybe a laceration to our head.”
The flight was greeted by medical personnel who evaluated passengers and crew upon landing. When the plane landed, at least 15 people were taken to hospitals in the Tampa area.
According to a Tampa Fire Rescue spokesperson, the affected passengers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
“JetBlue Airlines Flight 1230 was diverted to Tampa International Airport at approximately 2 p.m. local time on October 30 after the crew experienced a flight control issue,” an FAA spokesperson said. “Airbus 320 departed Cancun International Airport and was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport.”
While the FAA launched an investigation into why the plane dropped in altitude, JetBlue officials said the plane was taken out of service for investigation.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “The safety of our customers and crew members is always our top priority and we will work to support those involved in this situation.”
This news came after a small plane crashed on a street near Saratoga County Airport in New York on Friday, October 31. Local reports claim that the pilot died while a passenger was taken to Albany Medical Center for treatment. An eyewitness said the single-engine 1964 Mooney M20E plane crashed into a tree. Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo added that it was only three feet away from hitting a house on the street.
