A Southwest Airlines aircraft and an unapproved private jet narrowly avoided a collision at Chicago Midway International Airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incident occurred at approximately 8:50 AM local time on Tuesday. Southwest Flight 2504, arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, had to execute a go-around to avert a serious situation involving the private Bombardier Challenger 350 heading to Knoxville, Tennessee.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the event, which raises concerns amidst a spate of recent aviation safety incidents. These include a tragic midair collision over the Potomac River, a Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia, and a regional airline disaster off Nome, Alaska.
According to air traffic control transcripts, the private jet had been instructed to turn onto “Runway 4L, cross Runway 31L, and hold short of Runway 31C.” However, the pilot misheard the instructions, which led to a near-miss situation. The Southwest crew, aware of the encroaching risk, chose to go around rather than land on the same runway as the Challenger 350.
The go-around was executed successfully, with the aircraft climbing to 3,000 feet. Following this, the Southwest pilot inquired about the incident’s circumstances, highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation. A Southwest representative confirmed that the flight landed safely and reiterated the airline’s commitment to safety for both passengers and crew.
Flexjet, the operator of the private jet, acknowledged the occurrence and is currently investigating the details surrounding it. The Challenger 350 is designed to accommodate up to nine passengers.
Reports indicate that the two aircraft came within approximately 2,050 feet of each other before the go-around was initiated, with the Southwest plane flying at an altitude of roughly 900 feet over the private jet as they narrowly avoided disaster.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated they are monitoring the situation and collecting information. Between January 2023 and September 2024, they have been investigating various runway incursions, illustrating the ongoing concerns about air travel safety.
This incident highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to air traffic control directives and the need for effective communication between pilots and controllers to prevent dangerous situations in the airspace.