A chilling near-miss unfolded over the Caribbean Sea on Friday, as a JetBlue airliner narrowly avoided a collision with a U.S. Air Force jet. The incident, described by the civilian pilot as “outrageous,” occurred while the passenger plane was en route to New York from Curaçao.
Flight 1112, an Airbus A320, was just twenty minutes into its journey when the U.S. Air Force tanker unexpectedly entered its flight path. The JetBlue crew was forced to take immediate evasive action, abruptly altering their course to prevent a catastrophic impact.
The most unsettling aspect of the encounter, revealed in a recording obtained by air traffic observers, was the military aircraft’s lack of a functioning transponder. This critical piece of equipment allows air traffic control to accurately monitor and track planes, and without it, the jet was essentially invisible on radar.
“They passed directly in our flight path,” the JetBlue pilot stated, his voice laced with concern. “They don't have their transponder turned on. It's outrageous.” The military jet, identified as an air-to-air refueling tanker, crossed within a mere two to three miles of the passenger plane.
The situation demanded an immediate response. The JetBlue pilot explained they had to halt their ascent and even descend to create sufficient separation, a maneuver that underscored the gravity of the situation. The near-miss occurred at the same altitude as the civilian aircraft.
Adding to the alarm, air traffic control confirmed they had no radar contact with the military jet. “Yes, I don't have anything on my scope… you are totally right sir,” the controller acknowledged, confirming the lack of visibility.
Following the harrowing encounter, the Air Force jet reportedly crossed into Venezuelan airspace. This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened U.S. military presence in the southern Caribbean, coinciding with political pressure on Venezuela’s leadership.
Military officials have acknowledged the incident and initiated a review. They emphasized the rigorous training of their aircrews and their commitment to safety protocols, stating they are working to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the near-collision.
JetBlue has affirmed that safety remains their paramount concern, praising their crew for promptly reporting the incident. The airline is fully cooperating with federal authorities in any subsequent investigation.
This event follows a recent warning issued by aviation authorities to airlines regarding potential hazards when flying near Venezuela. The alert cited increased military activity and a deteriorating security environment as tensions escalate in the region.
