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FBI agents descended on a JetBlue flight to New York after a radio error reported that the plane had been hijacked, authorities said.
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The authorities of John F. Kennedy International in Queens, New York, activated the airport diversion protocols around 8 pm. Tuesday, just before takeoff, when the plane lost radio contact, and triggered a massive police response.
Flight crew members reestablished the connection about 15 minutes later and indicated that it was a false alarm, but the infringement procedures did not occur. could not be recalled at this time, said officials of the Port Authority.
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"A false alarm was sent to the tower as a result of a radio communications failure, the aircraft was inspected and cleaned without any threat to safety," said the Port Authority in a statement.
The incident was treated as a possible hijacking situation until authorities could confirm the opposite, leaving nearly 160 passengers in a total panic.
Terrified passengers were seen clutching their hands as heavily armed FBI and Port Authority officers inspected the flight to Los Angeles, according to a social media video.
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"Woah, my worst nightmare," wrote a passenger in a tweet. "I honestly thought we were going to die, I AM LIVING THANK YOU GOSH I MEDITATE." Another passenger described the incident as "traumatic".
Travelers were instructed to keep their hands in the air until the authorities could judge that the flight was safe.
JetBlue confirmed the incident in a statement late Tuesday, saying the protocols were done due to "plenty of caution".
"While the communication has been restored via alternative channels, the authorities have reacted with great caution," said the airline. "The plane was cleared and went back to the inspection door."
There was no word on what may have caused the error. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
Joshua Hoyos and Louise Simpson of ABC News contributed to this report.
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