Several Passengers Injured After Flight Suddenly Loses Altitude and Makes Emergency Landing

A JetBlue flight from Cancun to Newark was forced to make an emergency landing after a sudden drop in altitude left several passengers injured, the airline confirmed.

Flight crews quickly diverted the Airbus A320 to Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, October 31, after the plane experienced what pilots described as a “flight control issue.” According to audio captured by LiveATC.net, pilots told air traffic controllers that at least three passengers had suffered possible head lacerations.

“We’ve got at least three people injured. It seems like maybe a laceration in the head,” one of the pilots said over the radio.

Emergency crews met the plane on the ground, and Tampa Fire Rescue officials said around 15 to 20 people were evaluated and taken to local hospitals. Fortunately, none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

JetBlue confirmed that the aircraft was removed from service for inspection while officials investigate the cause of the sudden altitude drop. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved,” the airline said in a statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration also confirmed the plane was diverted to Tampa around 2:00 p.m. local time. Weather conditions in the area were reportedly calm at the time of the incident.

JetBlue operates Airbus A320 aircraft with 162 seats. Earlier this year, another JetBlue flight rolled off the runway in Boston after landing — though no one was injured in that case.