Metro
A JetBlue flight aborted takeoff on the runway at John F. Kennedy Airport on Saturday after reports of a fire on board, officials said.
The California-bound plane was preparing to depart around 8:30 p.m. when a crew member alerted the control tower to an apparent problem, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
The entire plane, which had a capacity of about 180 passengers, was evacuated as firefighters extinguished the fire, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said.
False reports began circulating online that the plane went off the runway and burst into flames. The FDNY arrived within minutes and found that nothing needed to be done as the ship was safe and there was no fire.
The problem with the Airbus 321 was determined to be an “engine problem,” but the FAA issued its ruling without providing details.
All passengers were removed from the plane and there were no injuries.
JetBlue’s maintenance team investigated the issue and it appeared to be resolved within a few hours.
The plane finally departed at 12:10 a.m., five hours after its original scheduled takeoff. Flight Aware data shows.
It is not clear how the mechanical problem was misinterpreted as a fire scare. JetBlue did not respond to messages left by the Post.
![A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321 jetliner passes several other aircraft at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on September 6, 2016.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/a321-passenger-jet-aircraft-taxis-26813507.jpg?w=1024)
![A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321 jetliner passes several other aircraft at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on September 6, 2016.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/01/a321-passenger-jet-aircraft-taxis-26813507.jpg?w=1024)
The FAA is investigating the incident.
The Airbus crash comes as authorities investigate repeated problems with 737 planes in the United States and abroad, including a panel falling off an Alaska Airlines jet.
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