Passengers disembarking a JetBlue flight at JFK Airport on Sunday evening were taken aback when the Airbus A321neo they were on unexpectedly tipped backward, causing the nose of the plane to point skyward. The unusual incident occurred as passengers were exiting Flight 662, which had just arrived from Bridgetown, Barbados.
JetBlue spokesperson, Derek Dombrowski, explained the incident as a result of a shift in weight and balance during the deplaning process. This shift caused the tail of the aircraft to tip backward, lifting the nose of the plane before it eventually returned to its normal position.
Dombrowski assured that no injuries were reported from the incident. He emphasized that safety is JetBlue’s top priority and that the airline is conducting a thorough review of the incident. In the meantime, the aircraft has been removed from service for a comprehensive inspection.
The incident, which took place around 8:30 p.m., did not disrupt the airport’s operations, according to a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The plane had completed its second flight of the day, as per data from Flightradar24.
Before every flight, pilots calculate the weight and balance to determine the plane’s center of gravity. This calculation is crucial to ensure the aircraft’s optimal performance. The center of gravity is influenced by the total weight of the passengers and other contents, as well as their distribution within the aircraft.
Occasionally, passengers may be asked to switch seats to maintain the plane’s balance. However, an aircraft tipping at the gate is an extremely rare occurrence. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of weight and balance in aviation safety.