Photo: Getty Images
A JetBlue flight made an emergency landing after experiencing a drop in altitude, which resulted in several passengers being injured, the airline confirmed in a statement obtained by NBC News.
"We will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause," JetBlue said, confirming the plane was taken out of service and would undergo inspection. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved."
The Airbus A320 flight departed from Cancun, Mexico and was scheduled to arrive in Newark, New Jersey, but instead made an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday (October 31), with several passengers being transported to the hospital, JetBlue confirmed. Pilots told air traffic controllers that at least three passengers had suffered potential lacerations during a flight control issue in audio captured by LiveATC.net.
“We’ve got at least three people injured. It seems like maybe a laceration in the head," the pilot said.
About 15 to 20 people were evaluated and taken to local hospitals, however, injuries aren't suspected to be life-threatening, Tampa Fire Rescue officials confirmed to NBC News.
The weather in the area was reported to be calm when the plane experienced a drop in altitude. The plane was diverted to Tampa at around 2:00 p.m. local time, the FAA confirmed via NBC News.
The Airbus A320 Restyled has 162 seats, according to JetBlue's official website. A JetBlue flight landing at Logan International Airport in Boston rolled off the runway and into the grass in June, which resulted in no injuries and the runway temporarily closing.