In a startling aviation event, the charter plane transporting the Gonzaga men’s basketball team narrowly avoided a collision with another aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident. The team was en route to LAX for their scheduled game against UCLA the following day. Air traffic controllers intervened just in time to prevent a potential disaster by halting the Gonzaga team's flight before it crossed paths with an outgoing Delta Airlines flight. Although the situation was tense, no harm was done, and the team proceeded to play their game, despite losing 62-65.
Details of the Incident at LAX
On a crisp Friday afternoon in Los Angeles, passengers aboard a Key Lime Air-operated charter flight carrying the Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball team experienced an unexpected moment of tension. As they prepared to land at LAX, air traffic controllers noticed that the incoming plane was about to intersect with another aircraft on a different runway. Recognizing the imminent danger, controllers immediately instructed the pilots to halt. Video footage obtained by NBC shows an air traffic controller repeatedly issuing urgent commands to stop. The pilots complied promptly, averting what could have been a catastrophic collision. The FAA confirmed that while the Gonzaga team’s plane had started to cross the hold line, it stopped short of entering the active runway. Team members were unaware of the near-miss until after landing. Gonzaga issued a statement expressing relief and gratitude for the safe resolution.
This incident has reignited concerns about runway safety. A recent investigation by The New York Times revealed an alarming increase in near-collision incidents on runways across the United States. The analysis indicated that such close calls are happening more frequently than previously thought, often due to human error. This trend underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols and continuous monitoring to prevent future occurrences.
From a journalist's perspective, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role air traffic controllers play in ensuring passenger safety. It also highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety measures. While the Gonzaga team may have lost their game, they, along with all involved, can take comfort in knowing that swift action prevented a potentially tragic outcome. This event should prompt further discussions on how to enhance runway safety procedures to protect travelers and aviation personnel alike.