Tense audio captured air traffic controllers’ panic as two commercial planes nearly collided at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport on Friday night.
The close call, which saw a London-bound American Airlines jet taxi across in front a Delta aicrfat that as taking off, is now under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Delta Boeing 737 came to a stop within 1,000 feet (305 metres) of the taxiing American Airlines Boeing 777 at around 8.45pm, the agency said.
Air traffic control audio was shared on Twitter by flight watcher @xJonNYC.
“S**t! Delta 1943 cancel takeoff plans! Delta 1943 cancel takeoff plans!” a controller says.
After the disaster was averted, the controller is heard letting out a big sigh.
According to the FAA, air traffic controllers “noticed another aircraft crossing the runway in front of the departing jetliner,” an agency statement said. “According to a preliminary analysis, Delta Air Lines Flight 1943 stopped its takeoff roll approximately 1,000 feet before reaching the point where American Airlines Flight 106, a Boeing 777, had crossed from an adjacent taxiway.”
Delta said its 737-900 was heading to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic with 145 passengers and six staff members on board.
The airline said the plane had to go back to the gate and couldn’t depart because of staff problems. The flight instead took off on Saturday morning after passengers had been provided with hotel accommodations overnight.
“The safety of our customers and crew is always Delta’s number one priority,” Delta told CNN. The airline said it will work with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to analyse the problem.
“Delta will work with and assist the NTSB on a full review of flight 1943 on Jan 13 regarding an aborted takeoff procedure at New York-JFK. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and delay of their travels,” the airline added.
The NTSB is also involved in the investigation.
American Airlines hasn’t made a public statement, instead referring queries to the FAA, according to CNN.
American Airlines Flight 106 flew took off bound for London Heathrow, landing on schedule the following morning.
