JetBlue passenger claims ‘life-changing’ injuries after brake failure during landing

A JetBlue passenger, Jacqueline Crowley, has filed a lawsuit claiming that she suffered severe injuries when the aircraft’s brakes failed during a landing. The 60-year-old passenger from Scituate, Massachusetts, said the incident occurred on May 25, 2022, as JetBlue Flight 267 was landing in Charleston, South Carolina, after departing from Boston’s Logan International Airport.

Aircraft’s emergency brakes engaged during the landing

Crowley alleged in her Brooklyn Federal Court filing that the aircraft came to an “extremely abrupt stop” while traveling at high speed. According to Crowley, the pilot informed passengers that the plane’s brakes had failed, and the emergency brakes had been activated. She claimed she was injured almost immediately after the plane touched down.

In her lawsuit, Crowley stated that the impact caused her to sustain an acute concussion, and she continues to experience chronic post-concussion syndrome. She is seeking unspecified damages from JetBlue, accusing the airline of negligence.

Attorney claims injury caused long-term effects

Crowley, who worked in marketing before the incident, was traveling with her husband to attend a wedding in Charleston. Her attorney, Erin Applebaum, said that the head injury has had lasting consequences, rendering Crowley unable to work. “Two years later, she continues to suffer from chronic ringing in her ears as a result of the impact,” Applebaum said.

Crowley diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer

In addition to her ongoing health issues from the incident, Crowley has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. She criticized JetBlue for not taking the physical impact of the landing seriously, especially regarding passengers’ safety. Crowley expressed concern for others on the flight, including a family seated near her with a baby.