A near-miss incident involving a private aircraft carrying the Gonzaga men’s basketball team occurred at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the event where the plane almost crossed an active runway while another aircraft was taking off. Fortunately, no one was injured as the pilots promptly halted the aircraft upon instruction from air traffic controllers. The Bulldogs were en route to Los Angeles for their game against UCLA Bruins scheduled for the following day.

Close Call Averted by Quick Action

The incident unfolded when Key Lime Air Flight 563, transporting the Gonzaga basketball team, received instructions from air traffic control to halt before crossing a runway due to another aircraft preparing for takeoff. Despite initial movement towards the hold bars, the pilots heeded the urgent command and stopped short of the runway edge line. This timely intervention prevented a potentially hazardous situation, underscoring the critical role of immediate response in aviation safety.

During Friday’s live broadcast by Airline Videos, viewers witnessed the dramatic moment when air traffic control repeatedly shouted "STOP STOP STOP!" as the Key Lime Air jet approached the runway just moments before a Delta jet took off. The footage captured the tense seconds leading up to the safe resolution of the incident. Such events highlight the importance of strict adherence to air traffic control directives and the need for heightened vigilance during critical phases of airport operations.

Impact on Gonzaga’s Travel and Game Performance

The close call did not affect the travel plans or arrival schedule of the Gonzaga team in Los Angeles. They proceeded with their preparations for the highly anticipated match against UCLA Bruins. Although the incident added an unexpected layer of tension to the trip, the team focused on their performance for the upcoming game. Despite their efforts, Gonzaga narrowly lost to UCLA by a score of 65-62 at the Intuit Dome.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in air travel, especially in high-traffic airports like LAX. It also raises questions about the procedures and protocols in place to ensure the safety of all flights. For the Gonzaga team, this experience likely reinforced the value of staying composed under pressure—a skill that undoubtedly benefits them both on and off the court. The FAA investigation will provide valuable insights into how such incidents can be prevented in the future, contributing to overall aviation safety standards.