The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on a recent runway incident at Chicago Midway International Airport. The investigation focuses on a near-collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 and a Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 350. The report highlights critical details about the event and its possible causes.
The incident occurred on February 25, when the Southwest Airlines flight approached for landing on runway 31C. Meanwhile, the Flexjet Challenger 350 crossed the same runway, creating a dangerous situation. With clear visibility, the Southwest pilots assumed the private jet would stop. However, as the aircraft approached 100 feet above the ground, they realized the Challenger 350 was not stopping. The pilots executed a go-around to avoid disaster.
The NTSB report revealed that the Flexjet pilots misinterpreted taxi instructions before entering the runway. Initially, they read back the directions incorrectly, prompting air traffic control to repeat them. Although they later responded correctly, they failed to acknowledge the final instruction to hold short of the runway. Sun glare also impaired their visibility, causing further confusion about their location.
As the private jet moved onto the active runway, the air traffic controller ordered them to stop. However, the captain continued taxiing before halting beyond the runway intersection. Shortly after, officials informed them of the violation and provided a contact number for further review. Despite the confusion, both aircraft remained undamaged, and no passengers or crew sustained injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing, with multiple aviation agencies involved. Authorities aim to determine what led to the runway incursion and how to prevent similar incidents in the future. The final report will provide further insights into the safety measures needed to avoid such occurrences.
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