Coach Loses Vision After Scalding Coffee Incident on Flight

A US judo coach sustained permanent damage to his right eye after a Flight attendant accidentally spilled hot coffee directly onto his face. The incident occurred during a JetBlue flight en route to a major competition, according to a lawsuit.

Arturas Lanchinskas, a third-degree black belt and owner of a prominent martial arts school in Brooklyn, was traveling to the Pan American Judo Championships in Lima, Peru, when the mishap happened in July 2023. He described the moment as an intense burning sensation: “It felt like a surge of fire hit my eyeball. The pain was sharp, like a burning needle.”

A fellow passenger, who was a doctor, quickly responded and advised Lanchinskas to rinse his eye repeatedly. However, flight attendants reprimanded him for using the bathroom excessively, with one telling him, “Sir, you’re not the only one on the plane; others need to use the facilities,” his attorney stated.

Snapped photos show Lanchinskas with his right eye covered in white bandages after arriving in Peru, where he sought emergency care. Doctors diagnosed him with thermal and chemical burns, which led to a reduction in his field of vision and increased sensitivity to light. He required treatment for facial and eye burns at a hospital after the flight.

The injury has resulted in lasting damage; he now experiences reduced vision and heightened light sensitivity. Despite the ordeal, Lanchinskas’ martial arts program remains highly ranked nationally, earning second place in the country according to USA Judo, with Team USA securing multiple medals at the same championships.

JetBlue has not issued an immediate response to inquiries about the incident.