NEW YORK- A man has been arrested after allegedly sneaking onto a JetBlue (B6) Airbus A320 during overnight maintenance at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida and falling asleep inside the aircraft.
Authorities said the incident forced JetBlue (B6) to replace the aircraft scheduled for passenger service from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), resulting in operational disruption and financial losses while law enforcement launched an investigation.
Man Arrested After Sneaking Onto JetBlue Plane
According to a police booking report cited by PEOPLE, the incident occurred on the night of August 1 at Jetscape Services, a maintenance facility located on the grounds of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Police identified the suspect as 32-year-old Sammuel Lackey. Investigators allege that he climbed over a perimeter fence to gain unauthorized access to the airport’s maintenance area.
Once inside the restricted facility, Lackey reportedly used portable maintenance stairs attached to a 2012 Airbus A320. The aircraft’s left rear door had been left open while maintenance work was underway, allowing him to enter the cabin.
Authorities claim the suspect concealed himself inside one of the aircraft’s lavatories while maintenance personnel continued their work.
After technicians completed the maintenance at approximately 4:25 a.m. local time on August 2, they closed and secured all aircraft doors before the Airbus A320 was pushed back to a parking position. At that point, workers were reportedly unaware that anyone remained onboard.
JetBlue Employees Found the Suspect Asleep
Approximately one hour later, JetBlue employees discovered the man asleep inside the aircraft.
Local television station WPLG Local 10 reported that surveillance cameras captured the suspect’s movements throughout the incident, providing investigators with video evidence.
Because of the unauthorized entry, the Airbus A320 could not be released for its scheduled flight. JetBlue was forced to assign another aircraft to operate the service, preventing further delays for passengers.
According to the booking report reviewed by PEOPLE, the airline estimated the disruption caused financial losses totaling $2,400.96.
The incident highlights the operational impact that unauthorized access can have on airline maintenance activities and aircraft scheduling, even when no passengers are onboard.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
As of August 6, Broward County jail records showed that Lackey remained in custody at the Broward Main Jail.
He faces several charges, including:
- Unarmed burglary of an occupied conveyance
- Criminal mischief involving damage exceeding $1,000
- Interrupting or impairing critical infrastructure
Court records indicate that his total bond has been set at $10,000.
The case remains under investigation by local law enforcement authorities.
JetBlue Responds to the Incident
JetBlue issued a brief statement following the incident, reaffirming its commitment to safety.
“The safety of our customers and crewmembers is JetBlue’s first priority. We will assist law enforcement with any relevant investigation,” the airline said in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
The airline has not disclosed whether it plans to implement additional security measures following the incident.
Operational Security Remains a Priority
Aircraft undergoing overnight maintenance frequently have doors open and maintenance equipment positioned around them, allowing technicians to access various parts of the aircraft efficiently. These activities take place within secured airport environments that are intended to prevent unauthorized access.
The alleged fence breach and unauthorized boarding demonstrate the importance of maintaining strong perimeter security and access controls at airport maintenance facilities.
While the incident did not involve passengers or an in-flight security threat, it temporarily removed an aircraft from service and triggered a law enforcement response.
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