Current:Home > FinanceNTSB begins considering probable cause in a near-collision between FedEx and Southwest planes-LoTradeCoin
NTSB begins considering probable cause in a near-collision between FedEx and Southwest planes
View Date:2024-12-23 16:11:07
Investigators said Thursday that an incoming FedEx cargo plane came within less than 200 feet of hitting a Southwest Airlines jet last year in Austin, Texas, after both were cleared to use the same runway.
The FedEx co-pilot saw the Southwest plane at the last second, and the cargo plane’s crew pulled up, flying over the top of the Southwest jet, which was carrying 128 passengers and crew members.
“This incident could have been catastrophic if not for the heroic actions of the FedEx crew,” said Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board at the start of the panel’s hearing on the close call.
The five-member safety board heard descriptions of the incident from investigators and was expected to vote on a probable cause of the incident later Thursday.
The FedEx plane was making its final approach to land at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport when it nearly hit the top of the Southwest Boeing 737, which was roaring down the runway for takeoff in thick fog.
The air traffic controller said he had expected the Southwest jet — which he couldn’t see through the fog — to take off more quickly. In hindsight, the controller said, he could have made the Southwest crew wait until the FedEx Boeing 767 landed.
The captain of the FedEx plane told investigators he was irritated and perplexed when he heard the controller clearing the Southwest jet to take off from the same runway he was approaching.
The incident was among several close calls last year that prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to call a “safety summit” of aviation industry participants.
FAA officials have maintained that U.S. aviation has never been safer. However, a panel of independent experts concluded last year that the safety margin is shrinking and the FAA needs better staffing and technology to manage the nation’s airspace.
The NTSB plans to publish its report on the Austin incident in several weeks.
veryGood! (34)
Related
- Champions Classic is for elite teams. So why is Michigan State still here? | Opinion
- Police officer pleads guilty to accidentally wounding 6 bystanders while firing at armed man
- These women discovered they were siblings. Then, they found hundreds more. It has taken a toll.
- Oregon jury awards $85 million to 9 victims of deadly 2020 wildfires
- Prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who argued Bush recount and same-sex marriage cases, dies
- Supreme Court says Biden administration can remove razor wire that Texas installed along border
- A pastor and a small Ohio city tussle over the legality of his 24/7 homeless ministry
- The 2024 Oscar nominations were announced: Here's a look at who made the list
- Horoscopes Today, November 12, 2024
- Police officer pleads guilty to accidentally wounding 6 bystanders while firing at armed man
Ranking
- Lala Kent Swears by This Virgo-Approved Accessory and Shares Why Stassi Schroeder Inspires Her Fall Style
- Isla Fisher Shares Major Update on Potential Wedding Crashers Sequel
- 3 people arrested in the Netherlands on suspicion of violating EU sanctions with exports to Russia
- The 2024 Oscar nominations were announced: Here's a look at who made the list
- Suspect arrested after deadly Tuskegee University homecoming shooting
- Why am I always tired? Here's what a sleep expert says about why you may be exhausted.
- Benny Safdie on 'The Curse' — and performing goodness
- The 2024 Oscar Nominations Are Finally Here
Recommendation
-
Trump on Day 1: Begin deportation push, pardon Jan. 6 rioters and make his criminal cases vanish
-
Memphis utility lifts boil water advisory after 5 days
-
At his old school, term-limited North Carolina governor takes new tack on public education funding
-
Common Shares His Perspective on Marriage After Confirming Jennifer Hudson Romance
-
It's cozy gaming season! Video game updates you may have missed, including Stardew Valley
-
Lily Gladstone, first Native American actress nominee, travels to Osage country to honor Oscar nod
-
UK gives Northern Ireland a new deadline to revive its collapsed government as cost of living soars
-
The US military has carried out airstrikes in Somalia that killed 3 al-Qaida-linked militants