On December 27th, a near-miss incident between a Delta Air Lines passenger plane and a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) prompted a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation. Harrowing footage reveals the moments air traffic controllers urgently instructed the private jet, Key Lime Air Flight 563, to stop as it crossed the runway where Delta Flight 471 was taking off.
The incident unfolded around 4:30 PM local time, as confirmed by the FAA. Air traffic control audio captures the controller’s frantic command, “Key Lime, stop, stop, stop!” as the Embraer E135 jet continued towards the runway. The Delta aircraft, already in its takeoff roll, narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic collision.
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The FAA released a statement explaining that Key Lime Air Flight 563 was explicitly directed to hold short of the runway due to Delta Flight 471’s ongoing takeoff. Despite the instruction, the private jet proceeded past the hold bars, prompting the urgent intervention from air traffic control. The FAA confirmed that the jet never crossed the runway edge line, ultimately averting disaster.
Delta Air Lines stated that Flight 471 operated normally and that they were cooperating fully with the FAA investigation. The airline affirmed they were unaware of any communication from the FAA concerning this specific flight until after the incident.
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The Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball team had arrived in Los Angeles for a game against the UCLA Bruins the following day. The team was reportedly unaware of the severity of the near collision until after landing. Gonzaga University released a statement acknowledging the ongoing investigation and expressing gratitude for the safe outcome.
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This near miss underscores the critical role of air traffic control in maintaining aviation safety and preventing potentially fatal accidents. The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on determining the contributing factors that led to the private jet crossing the hold bars and the effectiveness of the air traffic controller’s response. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in air travel and the importance of adhering to established safety protocols.
