In a dramatic aviation incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into a near-collision involving a charter plane transporting the Gonzaga men's basketball team and a Delta aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport. The event unfolded on a Friday, with no injuries reported. An air traffic controller urgently called for the charter plane to halt moments before it could intersect with the Delta flight taking off for Atlanta. Kevin Ray, who shared the video of the incident on YouTube, remarked that he had never heard such urgency from an air traffic controller in all his years of experience.

Details of the Near-Collision Incident

In the crisp autumn air, tensions ran high at Los Angeles International Airport as a harrowing aviation near-miss occurred. On a Friday, a charter jet carrying members of the Gonzaga men’s basketball squad narrowly avoided colliding with a Delta airliner preparing for takeoff. The drama unfolded when an air traffic controller, recognizing the imminent danger, repeatedly issued urgent commands for the charter plane to stop immediately. Fortunately, the situation was defused without any harm coming to the passengers or crew. This incident has prompted the FAA to launch a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

The following day, the Gonzaga Bulldogs faced UCLA at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Despite a valiant effort led by Graham Ike, who scored 24 points and secured eight rebounds, the Bulldogs fell short with a final score of 65-62. Ryan Nembhard missed a critical free throw attempt in the closing seconds, which would have tied the game. The Bulldogs struggled with a slow start but managed to close the gap in the final moments, ultimately falling just short of victory.

This near-collision serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in aviation. It underscores the need for continuous vigilance and rapid response mechanisms to ensure passenger safety. For sports teams frequently traveling by air, this incident highlights the unpredictable nature of travel and the significance of adhering to strict safety measures at all times.