JetBlue Flight Avoids Midair Collision with U.S. Air Force Jet
A JetBlue flight from Curaçao to New York narrowly escaped a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker over the Caribbean, prompting concerns regarding air traffic safety. The incident highlights the rising tensions in the region and raises questions about military operations impacting civilian air traffic.
Why It Matters
This close call underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in air traffic management, especially in areas where military operations occur concurrently with civilian flights. As the U.S. ramps up military presence near Venezuela amid geopolitical tensions, ensuring the safety of civilian aviation becomes critical.
Key Developments
- Incident Overview: JetBlue Flight 1112 encountered an air-to-air refueling tanker approximately 20 minutes into its flight.
- Pilot’s Reaction: The JetBlue pilot described the situation as "outrageous" and reported that the military aircraft lacked an operating transponder, which is essential for radar visibility.
- Air Traffic Control Response: The controller acknowledged a lack of information on radar regarding the military jet.
- Military Acknowledgment: The U.S. Southern Command stated they are reviewing the incident, affirming safety as a top priority.
- JetBlue’s Response: The airline stressed that safety procedures were followed and the incident has been reported to federal authorities.
Full Report
Incident Details
On Friday, JetBlue Flight 1112, an Airbus A320, faced a dangerous situation when it crossed paths with a U.S. Air Force tanker north of Curaçao. As the pilot recounted, the military aircraft flew directly into their flight path and did not have an operational transponder, which left the JetBlue crew with limited visibility regarding the tanker’s position.
"They passed directly in our flight path," the pilot stated in a recording, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The crew had to take evasive measures by descending to prevent a collision, as the tanker was at the same altitude.
Air Traffic Control
During the exchange, the air traffic controller confirmed the lack of visual tracking on radar, corroborating the pilot’s concerns. "Yes, I don’t have anything on my scope… you are totally right, sir," the controller responded.
Military Ops Review
In light of the incident, U.S. Southern Command acknowledged awareness of the event and indicated they are assessing it further. Colonel Emanuel L. Ortiz, the public affairs chief, maintained that military aircrews operate under established safety protocols.
JetBlue’s Commitment to Safety
JetBlue echoed a dedication to safety, noting that their crew was trained to handle such situations and promptly reported the anomaly to leadership. The airline confirmed it has reported the matter to federal authorities, which will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Context & Previous Events
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened military activity in the Caribbean as the U.S. pursues strategies related to Venezuela’s government. Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines about potential hazards when flying near Venezuela, citing increased military operations and deteriorating security as significant concerns. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, maintaining airspace safety between military and civilian aircraft remains vital.
