JetBlue Aircraft's Narrow Escape with Air Force Plane Near Venezuela: Insight from Cockpit Communication

A JetBlue aircraft had a close brush with a military jet from the U.S. Air Force over waters near Venezuela recently. Audio recordings from the cockpit reveal the tense moments leading up to what was an almost mid-air accident.

The Incident Unfolds in the Sky

Flight 1112, run by JetBlue, was en route from Curaçao, an island nation in the Netherlands Antilles near Venezuela, to New York. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a close encounter with another aircraft to Curaçao's air traffic control, stating they just passed within a couple of miles of traffic, identified as a refueling aircraft from the Air Force.

The commercial airliner, an Airbus A320, was merely hundreds of feet below the military craft, which reportedly cruised at an altitude of 34,000 feet. As the JetBlue jet aimed to ascend through 33,400 feet to a higher altitude of 35,000 feet, the pilot decided a descent was necessary to steer clear of the military plane.

Pilot’s Reaction and Air Traffic Control Response

Despite having adequate space for evasive action, the pilot was taken aback and noted the absence of the military aircraft’s transponder. Air traffic control confirmed they couldn’t track the jet on their radar either, siding with the pilot’s concerns.

Transponders are critical for signaling to both control towers and other aircraft in the vicinity. Their activation is crucial for the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which helps planes navigate potential threats. In some tactical operations, military aircraft disable these settings to stay concealed.

Military Activity and Airspace Alerts

There has been increased military activity in the Caribbean, including air raids targeting drug trade entities, heightening tensions with Venezuela. Noteworthy is the deployment of numerous troops and the vast USS Gerald R. Ford carrier in the region.

As of November 21st, an aviation alert, NOTAM, cautioned operators of unidentified aircraft around Curaçao through year's end. Former President Trump also urged aviators to treat airspace near Venezuela as completely inaccessible.

Official Response and Ongoing Investigations

The Southern Command of the U.S. military acknowledged media reports about activities in the Caribbean, committing to scrutinizing the incident further. They stressed that their aircrews are seasoned experts who adhere to specific guidelines, and safety is a paramount concern.

JetBlue, meanwhile, has yet to provide a formal reply to inquiries regarding the reported scare.