JetBlue Plane Tragedy: Two Bodies Found in Landing Gear at Fort Lauderdale Airport

In a tragic discovery on January 6, 2025, maintenance personnel at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport found the bodies of two men in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft. The flight had arrived from New York’s JFK International Airport, landing at approximately 11:10 p.m.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office reported that the grim find was made during a routine post-flight inspection. Paramedics at the scene confirmed both individuals were deceased. The identities of the men remain unknown, and authorities are investigating how they accessed the aircraft’s wheel well—a hazardous area not intended for human occupancy.

JetBlue has expressed its condolences and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The airline stated, “We are working with the relevant authorities to understand the circumstances and will provide updates as appropriate.”

This incident underscores the extreme dangers associated with stowaway attempts in aircraft landing gear compartments. Such areas are subject to severe environmental conditions, including low oxygen levels and temperatures that can plummet to fatal lows at high altitudes. The Federal Aviation Administration notes that individuals attempting to stow away in wheel wells face a high risk of death or serious injury.

Police at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. | Image: NBC6

The discovery has prompted discussions about airport security measures and the need for vigilance to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft. While stowaway incidents are rare, they highlight vulnerabilities that could be exploited, necessitating a review of current protocols to ensure passenger and crew safety.

As the investigation continues, authorities will conduct autopsies to determine the exact causes of death and work to establish the identities of the deceased. The findings may provide insights into the circumstances leading to this tragic event and inform future security enhancements to prevent similar occurrences.