A Southwest Airlines flight came dangerously close to colliding with a business jet at Chicago Midway Airport on February 25, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch a safety review. According to a report from Reuters, the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 was less than 200 feet from a FlexJet Challenger business jet when the Southwest crew performed an emergency maneuver to prevent the accident.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the FlexJet crew failed to follow runway clearance instructions. The business jet entered the runway without authorization, forcing the Southwest Airlines pilot to execute a go-around. This maneuver, which involves aborting the landing and circling back for another approach, helped the Southwest Airlines aircraft avoid a collision.
The NTSB report revealed that the FlexJet crew misinterpreted the initial taxi instructions given by air traffic controllers. Although the ground controller quickly reissued the instructions and received a correct readback, the confusion contributed to the incident.
The FlexJet pilots later reported that sunlight obstructed their view from the right side of the aircraft, making it difficult to see hold-short lines and pavement markings. They also claimed they did not spot the Southwest Airlines jet on final approach.
Emergency Response and FAA Investigation
The Southwest Airlines first officer spotted the business jet on the runway and immediately called for a go-around. The captain executed the maneuver, preventing a potential disaster.
In response to the incident, the FAA announced plans to conduct a safety-risk analysis. The review will focus on close encounters involving pilots operating under visual flight rules and those guided by air traffic controllers.
The FAA also held meetings with general and business aviation groups to discuss ways to improve safety protocols. The agency plans to introduce measures reminding pilots to review airport notices, stay familiar with their destination layouts, and remain alert to onboard collision warnings.
Concerns Over Increasing Near-Misses
The incident at Chicago Midway Airport comes amid growing concerns over the rise in near-collisions involving commercial and smaller aircraft. Over the past two years, several incidents have highlighted the strain on air traffic control systems, which are dealing with staffing shortages.
In response, the FAA has committed to enhancing pilot awareness and ensuring that flight crews follow safety protocols more rigorously.
The Chicago incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining air traffic safety and the need for continued improvements in communication and coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers.
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