JetBlue's Airbus A320, registered as N623JB and named “Playa-way With Me,” experienced two unusual incidents in a short span, drawing attention to the aircraft's series of misfortunes and the broader implications for flights to Haiti. With a fleet of 130 A320ceos, JetBlue is the fourth-largest operator of this aircraft model, trailing easyJet, China Eastern Airlines, and LATAM.
The first incident involving N623JB occurred in October last year during a flight from Boston to Chicago O’Hare, when a luggage container struck the aircraft while taxiing to its gate. This incident caused engine damage and significant delays for the carrier due to the aircraft being taken out of service for repairs. No injuries were reported.
Later that month, while on a flight from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to New York JFK, N623JB was discovered to have been hit by a bullet fired at the aircraft during takeoff. JetBlue responded by stating, "On Monday, JetBlue flight 935 from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, landed safely at New York’s JFK Airport. While no issues were initially reported by the operating crew, a post-flight inspection later identified that the aircraft’s exterior had been struck by a bullet. We are actively investigating this incident in collaboration with relevant authorities."