An Alaska Airlines Plane and a FedEx Cargo Plane Narrowly Missed Colliding

On Tuesday, March 17, an alarming incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, involving an Alaska Airlines passenger flight and a FedEx cargo plane. The near-miss incident unfolded around 8:17 PM local time, highlighting the critical importance of air traffic control procedures at one of the busiest airports in the United States.

At the heart of the incident was Alaska Airlines Flight 294, which was in the process of landing with a full complement of 171 passengers and six crew members on board. The aircraft had originated from Portland, Oregon. Meanwhile, FedEx Flight 721 was cleared for a final approach to an intersecting runway, complicating the situation significantly.

According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers instructed the Alaska Airlines flight to perform a “go-around” to avoid the FedEx plane. This manoeuvre, while routine for experienced pilots, underscored the high-pressure environment faced by air traffic controllers and flight crews.

Alaska Airlines confirmed that their pilots executed the go-around procedure appropriately. “Air traffic control issued a go-around to our aircraft, which our pilots are highly trained for,” the airline stated in a communication. The successful implementation of this protocol enabled the plane to narrowly avoid a collision, with estimates indicating that the two aircraft passed within approximately 300 to 325 feet of each other.

The FedEx 777 cargo plane, which had departed from Memphis, Tennessee, managed to land safely on the intersecting runway as the Alaska Airlines flight executed its manoeuvre. This potentially disastrous situation was resolved without incident, illustrating the crucial role that air traffic control plays in maintaining safety in crowded airspace.

In the wake of the incident, both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to understand the circumstances that led to this close call. Their findings will likely inform future procedural adjustments to enhance the safety of operations at Newark Airport and beyond.

The FAA, in its commitment to transparency, issued a news release detailing the events that transpired during the flight operation. It is expected that the investigation will examine the communications between air traffic control and both flights, along with any contributing factors that may have resulted in the near-miss.

Airlines routinely conduct extensive training for their flight crews in emergency procedures, including go-arounds. Alaska Airlines highlighted this training in their statement, reflecting the proficiency expected of pilots in managing unexpected situations during flight. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the aviation industry in navigating complex air traffic environments.

As authorities delve deeper into the investigation, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety of passengers and crew across all commercial aviation operations. Newark Liberty International Airport, known for its high volume of air traffic, will be scrutinised to identify any necessary alterations in its operational protocols to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

The incident at Newark highlights the ongoing need for vigilance, training, and communication in air traffic operations, ultimately aiming to safeguard the lives of those on board commercial flights and cargo planes alike.