LOS ANGELES- A potential catastrophe loomed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as two aircraft came perilously close to collision during a routine departure sequence.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an immediate investigation into the incident, which involved Delta Air Lines (DL) Flight DL471 and a Key Lime Air charter aircraft carrying the Gonzaga men’s basketball team.
Delta A321 Avoids Collision at LAX
The near-miss occurred when the Delta aircraft initiated its takeoff sequence while the Key Lime Air charter plane traversed the active runway.
An alert air traffic controller intervened with an urgent command to halt, preventing what aviation experts suggest could have resulted in a devastating impact at takeoff speeds ranging from 150 to 180 miles per hour.
Aviation enthusiast Kevin Ray documented the incident, capturing the dramatic moment on video. His footage reveals the tense seconds as the controller’s urgent calls echoed across the radio waves, commanding the charter aircraft to stop its progression across the runway. The Delta flight subsequently completed its departure to Atlanta without further incident.
The severity of the Los Angeles International Airport near-collision emerges through veteran plane spotter Kevin Ray’s observation.
Ray emphasized the unprecedented nature of hearing an air traffic controller issue such urgent stop commands, marking the incident’s exceptional gravity in his extensive aviation observation experience.
Delta Airlines maintains a measured stance regarding the incident. The airline’s spokesperson conveyed to Fox News Digital that Flight 471 proceeded without deviation from standard operations.
While acknowledging cooperation with aviation authorities, Delta states no formal notification exists regarding an FAA investigation into the flight.
The LAX incident gains additional effectiveness against the backdrop of the recent Jeju Air tragedy in South Korea. The catastrophic accident of Flight 2216 resulted in 179 fatalities during its landing approach at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province.
Similar Incident
Last year a similar incident occurred at San Diego International Airport, where a Southwest Airlines (WN) Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation business jet narrowly avoided collision. The event occurred Friday at approximately 12 p.m. PDT, adding to the growing list of aviation safety concerns across the United States.
The incident unfolded when an air traffic controller simultaneously authorized the Cessna Citation for landing while Southwest Airlines Flight 2493 occupied the same runway awaiting departure clearance.
The airport’s automated surface surveillance system detected the potential conflict, prompting immediate controller intervention directing the Cessna to execute a go-around maneuver.
Initial reports from sources close to the investigation reveal the Cessna passed approximately 100 feet above the Southwest aircraft during the averted collision. The FAA deploys an investigative team to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the event.
Southwest Airlines confirms its full cooperation with the FAA investigation, stating Flight 2493 completed its scheduled journey to San Jose without incident. The National Transportation Safety Board’s involvement intensifies as this incident marks the sixth runway incursion investigation in 2024, signaling a concerning pattern in aviation safety.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
The post Delta Airbus A321 Avoids Collision with Private Jet at Los Angeles appeared first on Aviation A2Z.