A JetBlue Airways Airbus A320 made an emergency landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport on August 13th after one of its engines suffered a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff from Long Island MacArthur Airport, officials said.
“We can confirm that JetBlue did have an emergency after takeoff from ISP,” said Caroline Smith, Spokesperson, Town of Islip, in a statement to CrazyFactsAboutLongIsland.com. “However, the flight crew made the decision to declare an emergency and divert to their JFK hub.”
Flight 547, bound for Orlando International Airport, departed MacArthur with 167 people on board when the aircraft’s right-hand engine failed during its initial climb, according to air traffic control communications and airport rescue reports. The crew declared an emergency and diverted to JFK, where emergency personnel confirmed the engine was completely destroyed.
“Last week, on August 13, JetBlue flight 547 from Islip to Orlando diverted to New York’s JFK after a mechanical issue with one of the aircraft’s engines,” JetBlue said in a statement about the flight to CrazyFactsAboutLongIsland.com. “The flight landed safely at JFK and the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection. The flight continued to Orlando on a different aircraft.”
Calm Coordination in the Cockpit
Transcripts show the pilots reported “engine failure” within minutes of departure and requested radar vectors to complete emergency checklists before approach. The crew advised controllers of the aircraft’s fuel load — more than 22,000 pounds — and passenger count while working through procedures.
Controllers provided alternate approach options, ultimately sequencing the aircraft for JFK’s Runway 22L after shifting winds made the longer Runway 22R less favorable.
Emergency vehicles were staged along the runway before landing. The aircraft touched down without further incident, came to a complete stop on the runway, and was surrounded by fire and rescue crews for inspection.
Engine “Completely Destroyed”
Airport responders reported the number two engine had suffered “catastrophic failure,” with turbine components expelled from the housing. While no fire was detected, the crew had deployed the aircraft’s fire suppression system as a precaution.
The pilots elected to shut down the remaining engine and requested a tow to the gate. The aircraft was escorted off the runway by rescue vehicles, allowing normal airport operations to resume.
Passengers Safe, Investigation Underway
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. JetBlue has not yet released a formal statement on the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the cause of the engine failure.
The aircraft involved, registered as N652JB, is an Airbus A320 first delivered to JetBlue in 2005, according to fleet records.
