Two tragic discoveries in a JetBlue flight’s landing gear compartment at Fort Lauderdale Airport have triggered an extensive investigation.
At a Glance
- Two bodies were found in JetBlue plane’s landing gear at Fort Lauderdale.
- The discovery was made after a flight from New York JFK Airport.
- The identities and entry method of the individuals are under investigation.
- JetBlue is actively cooperating with law enforcement.
- The incident highlights risks of stowaway attempts.
Grim Discovery at Fort Lauderdale
On arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, maintenance personnel discovered two deceased individuals in the landing gear compartment of JetBlue flight number 1801 from New York JFK Airport. This tragic finding occurred during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection. Both individuals, confirmed male, were declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Broward County Sheriff’s Office is rigorously probing how these individuals gained access to the aircraft, with their homicide and crime scene units actively involved. This incident mirrors a previous case in December, where a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane in Maui, emphasizing the ongoing security challenges faced in aviation.
Investigation and Airline Response
JetBlue, in a statement, expressed their commitment to cooperating with authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding this grim event. A spokesperson from the airline remarked, “This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working closely with authorities to support their efforts to understand how this occurred.” While the Broward County Sheriff’s Office leads the investigation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has not yet commented on any breach in security at JFK Airport.
Despite efforts, details about how long the bodies had been in the landing gear compartment remain unclear, and identifications have not been publicly released. The broader aviation community remains vigilant, as recent cases of illegal boarding attempts bring attention to the issue of airside security.
The Perils of Stowing Away
The practice of stowing away in landing gear compartments poses significant hazards. Stowaways are exposed to freezing temperatures, oxygen deprivation, and the risk of being crushed, making survival rare. In comparison, past rare survival incidents at airports like Paris, Amsterdam, and Miami highlight both the peril and desperation of such attempts.
A spokesperson for JetBlue stated, “Tragically, both individuals were deceased. At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation.” Law enforcement agencies continue searching for answers amid growing concerns about aviation safety threats.
External circumstances, such as recent incidents with Delta Air Lines involving unauthorized passengers, stress the need for strengthened security measures across the airline industry.
Sources:
- Two people found dead in landing gear of plane at Fort Lauderdale Airport
- Two Bodies Found in Plane’s Landing Gear at Fort Lauderdale Airport – DNyuz
