FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Passengers onboard a Spirit Airlines flight Sunday from Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Fort Lauderdale were instructed by the crew to prepare for a possible water landing.
The airline confirmed to CNN in a statement that the Airbus plane experienced a “mechanical issue” and safely returned to Montego Bay.
The passengers were then deplaned and later placed on another plane bound for Fort Lauderdale.
Passenger Bettina Rogers posted a video of the incident on TikTok, in which a chiming signal could be heard twice. She was seen wearing a life jacket in the video and life jackets could be seen on the floor as she was getting off the plane.
Rogers said the pilot initially told passengers there was “nothing to be alarmed about,” but about five minutes later, she said the pilot said the plane needed to return to Jamaica.
As the plane was turning back, the pilot announced “Prepare for emergency water landing,” Rogers said.
“In the moment, I’m shaken up,” Rogers said. “I had a whole bunch of problems as well as some of the other guests trying to get the life jacket from under the seat.”
Despite the announcement, the pilot was safely able to land on the tarmac in Montego Bay.
“This will be something that’s going to stick with me forever,” said Rogers. “For the rest of my life.”
Spirit Airlines released a statement which read:
Spirit Airlines flight 270 (MBJ-FLL) returned to Montego Bay (MBJ) on May 26 out of an abundance of caution following a suspected mechanical issue. The plane landed safely at MBJ and taxied to the terminal where Guests deplaned under normal procedures. Safety is our top priority, and the aircraft will be thoroughly evaluated by our maintenance team.
Tommy Fletcher, Senior Media Relations Specialist
Rogers said the airline issued her a flight credit and a meal voucher.
@mztinamarie33 Spirit flight wmergency landing today first time ever🤦🏾♀️#emergencylanding #spiritflights #waterlanding #fyp#jamaica #onthisday #fypage
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