WORCESTER – A mechanical failure caused a JetBlue Flight bound for Worcester Sunday to be diverted to Boston’s Logan Airport.
As Flight 2020 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was making its approach toward the hilltop Worcester Regional Airport, the pilot told passengers aboard the Embraer ERJ-190 that the plane’s flaps were stuck in an upright position, and that he would be circling while trying to correct the problem.
The jet made several turns, making several passengers become sick. After about 10 minutes of circling, the pilot said he would need to divert the flight to Logan because it has a longer runway than Worcester. In a steady voice, he explained that the plane would land at fast-than-normal speed, and passengers would see fire engines rolling toward the plane on the ground as a precaution.
Several passengers then took out their phones and starting texting and tweeting, including this writer, who was a passenger on Flight 2020.
The plane landed safely, albeit at a fast speed, and fire officials came out to check the plane’s brakes to make sure they weren’t too hot before allowing it to proceed to the terminal.
Via Twitter, a JetBlue spokesman said the aircraft needed maintenance on a flap and an inspection, so it was diverted and a new aircraft was provided.
“I think he did a hell of job pulling it off,” said Richard Boucher, a passenger who was traveling from Florida to visit his daughter in Oxford, of the pilot’s work landing the plane safely.
“It was a little scary,” said Elaine Sarto of Hubbardston, adding that she wished the pilot had given out more information as the plane was circling to explain what was going on.
Curt Lemay of Leominster, who had been in Florida for a business convention, said he thought the pilot handled the problem very professionally and “he seemed pretty routine.”
JetBlue has issued an apology and a $50 credit to the Flight 2020 passengers via email.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced on JetBlue Flight #2020. We understand how challenging it is when your travel plans are disrupted,” said the email from Danny Cox, director of JetBlue’s Customer Support Department. “As a gesture of apology and goodwill, we have issued each person on this flight a service credit in the amount of $50.”
The airline also gave passengers a voucher to take a taxi from Logan to Worcester, and in some cases, directly to their homes.
- Source: http://www.telegram.com
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