Bodies Discovered in JetBlue Plane's Landing Gear Compartment in Fort Lauderdale: Airline Confirms

Two Bodies Discovered in JetBlue Plane Wheel Well

Source: CNN

Incident Overview

• Two deceased males were found in the wheel well of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
• The bodies were discovered during a post-flight maintenance inspection on January 7, 2025.
• The flight originated from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

Investigation Details

• The identities of the deceased are currently unknown; the investigation into how they accessed the aircraft is ongoing.
• The Broward County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death.
• Initial reports indicated that the bodies were badly decomposed.

Airline and Security Measures

• JetBlue stated they are cooperating with authorities to understand the situation better.
• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is involved in the investigation alongside law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• The discovery raises significant concerns regarding airline security protocols and access to aircraft after landing.

Background on Stowaway Incidents

• Recent stowaway incidents have heightened awareness regarding airline safety, particularly with reports of individuals attempting to hide in aircraft components.
• According to the FAA, around 80% of stowaways in wheel wells do not survive the journey due to lack of oxygen or extreme temperatures.