Southwest Airlines Plane Avoids Collision with Private Jet at Chicago Midway

Southwest Airlines Plane Avoids Collision with Private Jet at Chicago Midway

A Southwest Airlines flight had to abort its landing at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning to avoid colliding with a private jet that entered the runway without clearance, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

What Happened?

At approximately 8:50 a.m. local time, Southwest Flight 2504, arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, was preparing to land when a Bombardier Challenger 350 private jet, operated by Flexjet, mistakenly entered the active runway.

To prevent a potential disaster, the Southwest pilots performed a go-around, a maneuver in which a plane aborts landing and ascends again. The flight later landed safely without incident.

FAA and NTSB Investigations Underway

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now investigating the incident as part of an ongoing review of aviation safety concerns.

This event adds to a series of recent air safety incidents, including:
A deadly midair collision over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
A Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia
A regional airline crash near Nome, Alaska, which killed 10 people

Air Traffic Control Audio Reveals the Close Call

According to LiveATC.net, air traffic control (ATC) instructed the private jet to turn left and hold short before entering an active runway. However, confusion ensued:

ATC instructed: “Runway 4L, cross Runway 31L, and hold short of Runway 31C.”
Private jet pilot responded incorrectly: “Alright, left on… 4L, cross the 22 or 13C.”
ATC immediately corrected: “Flexjet 560, negative! Cross 31L, hold short Runway 31C.”

At the same time, the Southwest pilot realized the danger and performed a go-around.

ATC to Southwest Flight 2504: “Roger that. Climb, maintain 3,000.”
Southwest pilot (after stabilizing): “How’d that happen?”

How Close Were the Planes?

The two aircraft came within 2,050 feet of each other before the Southwest plane ascended.
FlightRadar24 reports that the Southwest jet flew over the private jet at 900 feet pressure altitude, which translates to about 250 feet above ground.

Official Statements

Southwest Airlines: “The crew followed safety procedures, and the flight landed without incident. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and employees.”
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: “It is imperative that pilots follow air traffic control instructions. If they do not, their licenses will be pulled.”
Flexjet (Private Jet Operator): “We are aware of the occurrence and are gathering more information.”

A Growing Concern in Aviation Safety

Between January 2023 and September 2024, the NTSB investigated 13 runway incursions involving commercial or for-hire flights. These incidents ranged from minor safety breaches to narrowly avoiding collisions.

With investigations ongoing, aviation authorities are under pressure to strengthen runway safety measures and prevent future close calls.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.

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