A JetBlue Airways pilot’s audio recording has revealed a tense moment in which a JetBlue plane narrowly avoided a midair collision with a US military aircraft shortly after takeoff from Curacao. The incident occurred as JetBlue Flight 1112 was departing the Dutch Caribbean island on its route to New York City’s JFK Airport.
Pilot Reports Sudden Encounter at Same Altitude
According to audio obtained, the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the aircraft came dangerously close to a US Air Force refueling jet that crossed their flight path during ascent. The pilot stated that he had to immediately restrict the plane’s climb to avoid impact.
The conversation between the pilot and ATC captures his report that the military aircraft appeared at the same altitude, closing in to within approximately five miles of the JetBlue plane.
Military Aircraft Had Transponder Turned Off
The JetBlue captain also reported that the US Air Force aircraft was heading toward Venezuelan airspace with its transponder turned off, making it invisible to ATC surveillance systems. This lack of visibility contributed to the sudden and unexpected proximity between the two aircraft.
“We just had traffic pass within 5 miles of us, refueller from US Air Force, they passed directly in our flight path… we almost had a midair collision,” audio reveals what the Pilot told ATC.
JetBlue Responds to the Incident
JetBlue stated that its pilots are thoroughly trained to manage unexpected in-flight situations and confirmed that the matter has been formally reported to federal authorities. The airline added that it will fully cooperate with any investigation that follows.
