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The Gonzaga men’s basketball team experienced a harrowing near-collision with another aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, sparking an FAA investigation and raising questions about aviation safety protocols.

Avoiding Disaster: How Quick Action Prevented a Catastrophe

Incident Unfolds at LAX

The arrival of the Gonzaga Bulldogs' charter flight at LAX on Friday afternoon was far from routine. As the team's jet taxied toward its gate, an alarming sequence of events unfolded. An air traffic controller’s urgent commands could be heard over the radio, repeatedly instructing the pilot to halt. The larger Delta airliner was in the process of taking off, creating a critical situation where every second counted. Video footage obtained by NBC vividly captured this tense moment, showcasing how close the two aircraft came to colliding.The incident has since drawn significant attention, not only because it involved a high-profile sports team but also due to the increasing frequency of such occurrences. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were more than 1,700 runway incursions during the 2023 fiscal year, with numbers continuing to rise into 2024. This trend has prompted serious discussions about the factors contributing to these incidents and whether current safety measures are adequate.

FAA Investigation Underway

In response to the near-miss, the FAA confirmed it is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. The agency aims to identify any procedural lapses or technical failures that may have contributed to the close call. Gonzaga University released a statement expressing relief that all passengers aboard the aircraft were unaware of the incident as it occurred, emphasizing their gratitude for the safe resolution.The investigation will likely scrutinize multiple aspects, including communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, adherence to standard operating procedures, and the overall efficiency of airport operations. Such inquiries are crucial for enhancing aviation safety and preventing similar incidents in the future. The findings could lead to revised guidelines or additional training programs for aviation personnel.

Broader Implications for Aviation Safety

This incident at LAX is part of a broader pattern of escalating concerns within the aviation industry. Over the past decade, near-misses have more than doubled, according to a New York Times investigation. While some attribute this increase to better reporting mechanisms, others point to potential worsening safety conditions. Factors like increased air traffic, aging infrastructure, and human error are often cited as contributing elements.Moreover, recent accidents highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. A tragic crash in South Korea on Sunday resulted in the loss of 179 lives after the plane skidded off the runway and exploded. Similarly, an Air Canada flight faced landing gear complications in Nova Scotia, leading to a fire upon touchdown. Although no one was injured in the latter case, these events underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and rapid response capabilities.

Impact on Gonzaga’s Season

Despite the unsettling start to their trip, the Gonzaga Bulldogs went on to face UCLA at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood the following day. Unfortunately, the team fell short in a closely contested match, losing 65-62. This setback dropped them to a 9-4 record for the season. Moving forward, the Bulldogs have a key matchup against Pepperdine in Malibu to kick off their WCC play before returning home to Washington.The near-collision serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel, even for seasoned athletes. For the Gonzaga players and staff, the experience may have added an extra layer of tension to their preparations. However, their resilience in the face of adversity reflects the spirit of competitive sports, where challenges often fuel determination and growth.