Investigators revealed on Thursday that a potentially disastrous incident occurred last year in Austin, Texas, involving an incoming FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines jet. The two aircraft came within less than 200 feet of colliding on the same runway, despite both being cleared for use.
The situation was averted by the quick actions of the FedEx co-pilot, who spotted the Southwest plane at the last moment. The cargo plane's crew managed to pull up in time, flying over the top of the Southwest jet, which was carrying 128 passengers and crew members.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair, Jennifer Homendy, commended the FedEx crew for their heroic actions during the panel's hearing on the incident. The safety board, comprised of five members, listened to detailed accounts of the event from investigators and was set to determine the probable cause later that day.
The near-miss occurred as the FedEx plane was on its final approach to land at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, narrowly avoiding a collision with the Southwest Boeing 737, which was accelerating down the runway for takeoff in dense fog.
An air traffic controller involved in the incident expressed that he had anticipated the Southwest jet to take off more rapidly, although visibility was limited due to the fog. In hindsight, the controller acknowledged that he could have delayed the Southwest crew until the FedEx Boeing 767 had landed.
The FedEx captain conveyed his frustration and confusion upon hearing the controller clear the Southwest jet for takeoff on the same runway he was approaching.
This alarming incident was one of several close calls in the previous year that prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to convene a safety summit with industry stakeholders. While FAA officials have asserted that U.S. aviation remains safe, an independent panel of experts highlighted the diminishing safety margin and emphasized the need for enhanced staffing and technology to manage the nation's airspace.
The NTSB is expected to release its comprehensive report on the Austin incident in the coming weeks.
