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JetBlue A320 experiences back-to-back incidents, suspends flights to Haiti

JetBlue A320 experiences back-to-back incidents, suspends flights to Haiti
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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."

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This incident coincided with increased violence and instability in Haiti, including a similar shooting incident involving another airline. Following these occurrences, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines suspended all operations to Haiti, with American Airlines also halting flights after reporting bullet damage to a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

The FAA followed suit, imposing a 30-day ban on all US flights to Haiti, later extending it through September 8, citing "ongoing instability." Although flights to the northern region of Haiti, less affected by violence, have resumed, routes to the capital remain suspended.

N623JB underwent fuselage repairs at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport in Alabama from mid-November to late January. The repair process, as described by industry standards, involved consulting the aircraft’s structural repair manual to ensure integrity and safety. N623JB returned to service in early February without further notable incidents and is presently operating routine flights, such as the current route from New York JFK to Punta Cana.

Details on acceptable repair methods for aircraft can be found in the FAA manual "Aircraft Inspection, Repair & Alterations: Acceptable Methods, Techniques & Practices (FAA AC 43.13-1B and 43.13-2B)."

Organizations Included in this History
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