JetBlue A320 Returns to Newark After Engine Failure, Passengers Evacuated

JetBlue Flight 543, an Airbus A320 bound from Newark Liberty International Airport to West Palm Beach, Florida, suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff Feb. 18. The crew reported a loud bang and flash near the wing, then returned to Newark and landed safely.

After landing, the crew notified air traffic control of cockpit smoke, prompting an evacuation via emergency slides. No injuries were reported. The emergency forced a full ground stop at Newark for roughly an hour, with operations resuming around 7 p.m. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the incident delayed about 30% of inbound and outbound flights into the evening.

JetBlue issued a statement emphasizing safety and cooperation with the FAA. The FAA has begun an investigation into the engine failure and evacuation procedures, with no mechanical fault details released yet.