A near disaster took place at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning when Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 performed an emergency abort to avert a collision with an unapproved private jet aircraft on the runway. At approximately 8:50 am local time the private jet Bombardier Challenger 350 breached the active runway where Southwest Flight 2504 was getting ready to land. The pilot of Flight 2504 coming from Omaha Nebraska performed an emergency go-around move to escape potential destruction moments before successfully attaining runway clearance.
The private jet traveling to Knoxville Tennessee received approval to use one runway yet misunderstood air traffic control directions therefore creating an unsafe runway crossing. The jet pilot received multiple warnings from air traffic controllers about remaining outside of Runway 31C but proceeded across the active position. Multiple social media platforms have shared footage of Southwest Flight’s landing phase which resulted in a go-around maneuver after which viewers have raised safety concerns about communications between aircraft and air traffic control.
FAA and NTSB Investigate the Close Call
The private jet accessed the runway without permission which led to simultaneous investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Southwest Airlines pilot ensured both planes’ safety after his decision to bring his aircraft upward from its descent. The Southwest plane completed its maneuver and performed a safe landing at Midway Airport.
The almost fatal incident has sparked doubts regarding air transportation systems while several recent aviation accidents continue to generate flight safety concerns. Online users expressed safety concerns under the present administration by remarking that U.S. flight conditions have deteriorated.
