Federal investigators are probing a JetBlue flight that plunged 100 feet in seven seconds Thursday, sending at least 15 passengers to Florida hospitals.
The Airbus A320 carrying passengers from Cancun to Newark dropped altitude without warning around 1:48 p.m., forcing pilots to declare an emergency and divert to Tampa International Airport, CNN reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it has launched an investigation into what it called “a flight control issue” on Flight 1230.
Pilots radioed air traffic controllers about injuries during their approach to Tampa, according to LiveATC.net audio.
“Maybe a laceration in the head,” one pilot reported while requesting medical assistance. (RELATED: United Airlines Flight Reportedly Forced To Land After Windshield Gets Smashed By Mysterious Object; Pilot Injured)
Tampa Bay Fire Rescue spokesperson Vivian Shedd said 15 to 20 people received evaluation and hospital transport for non-life-threatening injuries after the plane landed at 2 p.m, the outlet reported.
15 to 20 people taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after JetBlue flight has flight control issue with a sudden drop in altitude while en route to New Jersey.
JetBlue Flight 1230 departed Cancun International Airport in Mexico and was headed to New Jersey’s… pic.twitter.com/VZeKPTn9xN
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) October 31, 2025
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft’s sudden 100-foot drop lasted just seven seconds before pilots regained control and began a standard descent into Tampa. Medical crews waited on the tarmac as the plane touched down.
“Our team has taken the aircraft out of service for inspection, and we will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause,” JetBlue said in a statement. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved.”
The incident occurred as a cold front moved through Florida, bringing gusty winds and rain showers. Investigators have not determined whether weather played a role in the altitude loss.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told CNN it knows about the incident but has not opened its own investigation.