Close Call at LAX: FAA Investigates Near-Collision on Runway
Incident Description
On Friday at 4:20 p.m., a close call occurred on a runway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) involving a charter jet carrying the Gonzaga University Men’s Basketball team from Spokane, Washington, and a Delta Airlines commercial flight.
The Incident
The Embraer E135 charter jet, operated by Denver-based Key Lime Air, had just landed and was taxiing to its gate when it was instructed to hold at a certain point to avoid crossing the runway into the path of an Atlanta-bound Delta Airlines commercial flight taking off. However, the plane seemingly rolled past the intended holding point, prompting the air traffic controller to issue a warning: "STOP, STOP, STOP."
FAA Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. According to the FAA, air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at LAX because another aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time. When the Embraer E135 jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, air traffic controllers instructed the pilots to stop, and the jet never crossed the runway edge line.
Reactions and Statements
Key Lime Air’s Senior Vice President, Jon Coleman, released a statement saying, "Key Lime Air takes pride in its pilots and training model, a regimen that demands the highest competency in the industry today. Safety of those entrusted to us is our highest priority. We are working within our own Safety Management System and with the FAA to determine the facts of the event and will respond accordingly."
Gonzaga University did not wish to comment on the matter. A spokesperson for Delta Airlines confirmed that Delta flight 471 operated as normal and was not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding the flight.
Conclusion
The close call at LAX serves as a reminder of the importance of the FAA’s role in ensuring the safety of air travel. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the incident at LAX?
A: A charter jet carrying the Gonzaga University Men’s Basketball team from Spokane, Washington, and a Delta Airlines commercial flight nearly collided on a runway at LAX.
Q: What instructions did air traffic controllers give to the charter jet?
A: Air traffic controllers instructed the charter jet to hold short of crossing a runway at LAX because another aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time. When the jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop.
Q: Is the FAA investigating the incident?
A: Yes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Q: What is Key Lime Air’s response to the incident?
A: Key Lime Air’s Senior Vice President, Jon Coleman, stated that the company is working to determine the facts of the event and will respond accordingly. He emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and the highest competency in the industry.
