Overview
• Operator: JetBlue Airways
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A320-200
• Registration: N618JB
• Flight Number: B6-967
• Route: Westchester County Airport (HPN) to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• Date: 25 February 2025
• Occupants: 133 (Passengers and crew)
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Complete failure of the right-hand engine, requiring an emergency diversion
Incident Summary
A JetBlue Airbus A320-200, operating as flight B6-967 from Westchester (HPN) to West Palm Beach (PBI), experienced a complete failure of the right-hand engine (CFM56) shortly after takeoff.
The crew secured the failed engine, confirming that the left-hand engine was operating normally.
The aircraft stopped the climb at 3,000 feet and declared an emergency diversion to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Approximately 25 minutes after departure, the aircraft landed safely on runway 22L at JFK.
A replacement A320-200 (N508JL) was dispatched, reaching West Palm Beach with a delay of approximately 2.5 hours.
The FAA confirmed the incident and launched an investigation into the engine failure.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft departed from Westchester’s runway 34, with no prior reported anomalies.
• The weather conditions were clear, with no immediate operational restrictions.
In-flight Occurrence:
• During initial climb, the crew reported a “complete” failure of the right-hand engine.
• The engine was secured, and the aircraft continued single-engine operations.
• The climb was stopped at 3,000 feet, and an immediate diversion was initiated to JFK.
Landing & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft landed safely at JFK on runway 22L approximately 25 minutes after departure.
• Emergency services were on standby, but no fire or additional technical failures were reported.
• The aircraft taxied to a remote stand for maintenance inspection.
Passenger Re-accommodation:
• Passengers were transferred to a replacement A320-200 (N508JL), which completed the flight to West Palm Beach with a 2.5-hour delay.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The FAA confirmed an investigation into the engine failure.
• Possible causes of complete engine failure in a CFM56 engine include:
• Compressor stall or surge, leading to engine shutdown.
• Oil starvation or pressure loss, causing automatic engine protection shutdown.
• Fuel system failure or flow disruption, leading to engine flameout.
• Foreign object ingestion (bird strike or debris) causing sudden damage.
• Maintenance crews will conduct a detailed borescopic inspection to check for internal damage.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Regular engine health monitoring and predictive maintenance should be reinforced to detect potential engine issues before failure occurs.
• Crew response was appropriate, following standard Airbus single-engine procedures and executing a safe diversion to JFK.
• The FAA’s investigation may result in additional maintenance advisories, particularly if systemic issues with CFM56 engines are identified.
• Passenger re-accommodation was handled efficiently, minimizing disruption to the flight schedule.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 26 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
