TAMPA, Fla. – Passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight bound for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were left in a state of panic as they were instructed to prepare for a possible emergency water landing due to a suspected mechanical issue on Sunday.
The unsettling incident occurred during Spirit Airlines flight 270 from Montego Bay, Jamaica, causing distress among the passengers aboard the aircraft. Upon receiving the alarming news, passengers were instructed to wear life vests as a precaution.
According to a Spirit spokesperson, the plane experienced a potential mechanical problem and subsequently returned to Montego Bay “out of an abundance of caution.” The unexpected turn of events left passengers traumatized and fearing for their safety.
Cellphone footage obtained by WTVJ captured the tension onboard, showing passengers wearing yellow life vests and gripping onto their seats in anticipation of a water landing. The atmosphere inside the plane was described as chaotic and filled with uncertainty.
Passenger Will Smith recounted the harrowing experience, expressing his initial shock and fear as the pilot announced the need for an emergency water landing. The sight of the vast ocean outside the window heightened feelings of panic among the passengers, with many preparing for the worst.
Shancy Faison, traveling with her husband, shared a moment of panic when she encountered difficulty in opening her life vest. The lack of clarity regarding the situation added to the confusion and anxiety among the passengers.
Despite the tense moments in the air, the plane landed safely, and all passengers were able to disembark without any reported injuries. Spirit Airlines assured that the aircraft would undergo thorough evaluation by the maintenance team before being deployed for future flights.
In a statement to WTVJ, Spirit Airlines expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the passengers and arranged for a new aircraft to complete the journey to Fort Lauderdale. Safety remains the airline’s top priority, underscoring the importance of ensuring the well-being of all passengers during flights.