Investigation underway after two bodies found in JetBlue landing gear in Fort Lauderdale

Experts highlight extreme risks and airport security failures are being investigated.

JetBlue © Facebook/JetBlue
JetBlue Photo © Facebook/JetBlue

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The recent discovery of two bodies in the landing gear of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida, has reignited the debate about the chances of survival in these extreme circumstances.

The bodies were discovered during a routine inspection following the landing of flight 1801, which had taken off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Screenshot from Facebook/Local 10 Español

Aviation experts indicate that the odds of surviving as a stowaway in the landing gear are extremely low, estimated at about 20%.

Willard Shepard, aviation attorney and former combat pilot, explained to Local 10 that once the wheels retract, the stowaway faces multiple dangers:

Crushing: There is a risk of being crushed by the landing gear mechanism when it retracts.

Fall: It is possible to fall when the landing gear doors open.

Environmental conditions: Extremely low temperatures and the lack of oxygen at high altitudes can result in unconsciousness or death.

“This should never happen. The priority is always the safety at the airport facilities, and clearly, your safety here has been compromised. This should never have occurred; it raises many questions about how it happened,” stated the expert.

Ongoing research

Authorities are working to identify the victims and determine how they managed to access the plane undetected, raising serious concerns about security measures at the involved airports.

According to AP, the plane had previously been in Kingston, Jamaica, and Salt Lake City, Utah, on Monday morning, according to flight tracking service FlightAware.com, before its flight from New York to Fort Lauderdale.

Although the authorities have not stated where they believe the individuals entered the wheel's gap, speculation has begun to suggest that the stay in Jamaica is to blame.

“Our information to date is that this matter is still unclear and there is no immediate basis to conclude that they are Jamaicans”, said Kamina Smith, Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, in a post on the social platform X.

"Therefore, we remain in contact with the relevant authorities and will inform the public as soon as we have greater clarity and precision on this tragic matter," he added.

JetBlue described the incident as "heartbreaking" and stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Discovery of Bodies in the Landing Gear of a JetBlue Aircraft

What happened on the JetBlue plane in Fort Lauderdale?

On January 6, 2025, two bodies were found in the landing gear of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The discovery was made during a routine inspection after flight 1801 had landed.

What are the chances of survival as a stowaway in an aircraft's landing gear?

The chances of survival in an aircraft's landing gear are extremely low, estimated at around 20%. Stowaways face risks such as crushing, falling, hypothermia, and lack of oxygen.

How did the stowaways manage to access the plane without being detected?

It is still under investigation how the stowaways accessed the plane. This incident raises serious concerns about security measures at the involved airports, especially considering that the aircraft had recently been in Jamaica.

What actions is JetBlue taking following the incident?

JetBlue has described the incident as "devastating" and is fully cooperating with investigations to determine how unauthorized access to the aircraft's landing gear occurred.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and global issues. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.