A viral video shows the Airbus A321ceo tipped back — its nose reaching skyward and the tail planted on the ground.
Passengers were getting off Flight 662 from Bridgetown, Barbados, when the bizarre incident took place on Sunday at 8.00pm.
“Once at the gate, due to a shift in weight and balance during deplaning, the tail of the aircraft tipped backward causing the nose of the aircraft to lift up and eventually return back down,” JetBlue spokesman Derek Dombrowski told The New York Post.
“No injuries were reported. Safety is JetBlue’s first priority; we are reviewing this incident, and the aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection,” he added.
Pilots calculate weight and balance before every flight to determine the plane’s centre of gravity and ensure the proper performance. The position of the center of gravity is affected by the total weight of the passengers and other contents, as well as their distribution.
At times, passengers are asked to change seats to make sure the plane is properly balanced — but an aircraft tipping at the gate is very rare.
(With inputs from agencies)
