Daily Aviation Brief - 2026-02-20

light mode

MePilots • 20 Feb 2026

Aviation Daily Brief - February 20, 2026

JetBlue Emergency at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Incident Overview: On February 18, JetBlue Flight 543 (A320, N640JB) experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff from EWR, bound for Palm Beach International (PBI). Pilots declared an emergency and returned safely to the airport.
Evacuation Details: Smoke filled the cabin and cockpit, prompting the evacuation of 128 passengers and crew via slides on the taxiway/runway. No injuries were reported.
Airport Impact: The runway was closed for debris cleanup, leading to a full airport shutdown and FAA ground stop. All flights were grounded, causing delays that lasted into the evening. The airport reopened later that night.
Investigation: The FAA is investigating the incident, with detailed reports available from Aviation Herald and AeroInside.
Key Coverage:
- Feb 20, 08:56 - @flightdrama: Video recap and timeline.
- Feb 19, 23:38 - @FLPelusa17: Airport reopens post-incident.
- Feb 19, 21:01 - @pbpost: Emergency return details.
- Feb 19, 19:25 - @CBS12: Passenger accounts of the incident.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau regarding the Learjet crash in Baramati.
Flight recorders are currently under examination, with political implications linked to the incident.

Coverage includes reports from @timesofindia and @the_hindu.

A Delta flight from Houston Hobby returned shortly after takeoff due to a disruptive passenger, who was subsequently detained. No injuries were reported.

Coverage available from @ABC.

Boeing Orders: Approximately 100 jets ordered by Vietnamese carriers.
SpiceJet Airspace Ban: Bangladesh has blocked SpiceJet operations over unpaid fees.
Minor incidents include cabin smoke on a PBI-bound JetBlue flight and ongoing winter delays.

For real-time updates, monitor @FAANews or Flightradar24.