The new year started with a bang for one Inglewood, California couple. A block of ice allegedly dropped from a JetBlue aircraft and crashed through the roof of their home and onto their bed.
The couple is now suing the airline for a seven-figure lump sum. JetBlue has denied any wrongdoing and has declined to comment on ongoing litigation.
JetBlue New Year’s Ice Drop
Around 8pm local time on New Year’s Day 2024, a large block of ice crashed through the bedroom of Michael Reese and Leah Ferrarini in Inglewood, California. After a thorough investigation, it was later discovered that the ice came from a JetBlue aircraft that was on its way to Los Angeles International Airport.
Tail 989JT, and Airbus A321 was the jet involved in the lav icing incident.
Reese and Ferrarini are suing the airlines for negligence and trespassing. The latter offense is due to the couple ‘not granting JetBlue permission’ to allow the block of ice to enter the home or damage it.
According to the lawsuit, the ice severely damaged the couple’s roof and landed near the pillows in their bedroom.
The couple has also reportedly suffered insomnia and anxiety from the block of ice. Due to the home being located very close to the airport, at least one plane flies over the home every five minutes. The couple have allegedly been incapable of sleeping since the incident over the fear of other falling debris harming them and their home.
The lawsuit states that the couple had also experienced financial losses as the result of the damage. The effects of insomnia had forced Reese to decline film and television projects as a commercial driver.
Aircraft Involved in a Similar Incident?
In the lawsuit, the couple’s attorneys argue this isn’t the first time the JetBlue aircraft damaged a roof with ice. Another ice block that came from the aircraft reportedly damaged the roof of a home in Shirley, Massachusetts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) discovered the same aircraft had ‘potable water issues’ as early as July 2023.
“JetBlue had been on notice for months prior to January 1, 2024, yet failed to conduct an investigation as to the problems with the potable water system valve and drain. Had JETBLUE done so after being on notice that there was a problem as early as July 2023, the discharge of the large block of ice on Plaintiffs’ home would not have occurred.” the report reads.
The couple is seeking $1 million from JetBlue as a result of the damage and ongoing emotional trauma. JetBlue responded by stating the airline’s conduct complied with industry regulations.
Credit: avgeekery.com
