Watch Southwest Airlines Narrowly Avoids Collision at Chicago’s Midway Airport
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On a seemingly ordinary morning at Chicago’s Midway Airport, an unexpected event unfolded that could have ended in disaster. In the busy world of air travel, where precision and coordination are key, a Southwest Airlines flight had a near-miss with a private business jet. This incident, widely reported on, showcases the complexities and risks present in aviation.
The Southwest Airlines flight in question, numbered 2504, departed from Omaha, Nebraska, and was approaching Midway Airport for its landing. As it descended, everything seemed to be going according to plan. However, as it approached the runway, a private business jet from FlexJet, identified as a Bombardier Challenger on its way to Knoxville, Tennessee, was taxiing across the same path.
Near-Miss at Midway Airport
According to video footage and preliminary flight data, the Southwest plane was mere inches from touching down when its pilots had to make a quick decision. To prevent a collision, they opted to execute a “go-around,” a maneuver in which the plane climbs back into the sky rather than completing the landing. With engines roaring, the aircraft ascended swiftly and passed over the business jet at around 250 feet. This quick thinking and coordination on the part of the Southwest pilots avoided what could have been a serious accident.
Details from air traffic control shed light on the events leading up to the near-collision. The private jet had been given permission to cross one particular runway, with orders to hold at another. Initially, the pilot of the private jet miscommunicated these instructions back to the tower but was quickly corrected. Despite understanding these directives, the incident still took place, leading the Southwest pilot to announce, “going around.”
Responses and Investigations
Southwest Airlines later confirmed that their pilots performed a precautionary go-around to sidestep a potential conflict. Meanwhile, representatives from FlexJet acknowledged the situation, stating that they were gathering more details. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that the business jet had entered the runway without proper authorization, flagging the incident for further investigation.
Chicago Midway Airport primarily serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, which handles over 90% of the airport’s passengers. The airport plays a critical role in the extensive network of air travel across the country. Fortunately, the Southwest flight landed safely without any further issues.
Watch the incident in the video below:
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