Authorities Probe Near Collision Between Alaska Airlines Jet and FedEx Plane in Newark
Federal aviation officials are investigating a near collision involving an Alaska Airlines jet and a FedEx cargo plane at Newark Liberty International Airport. This incident occurred on Tuesday night as the passenger jet approached the airport.
Details of the Incident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the inquiry into this close call. An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 was instructed to conduct a go-around maneuver while a FedEx Boeing 777 was on its final approach to a runway.
Flight and Aircraft Information
- Alaska Airlines Flight 294: Departed from Portland, Oregon.
- FedEx Flight 721: Coming from Memphis, Tennessee.
- Passengers and Crew: Alaska Airlines had 171 passengers and 6 crew members.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also involved in the investigation. According to their report, the go-around was initiated due to the FedEx jet being cleared for an intersecting runway.
Airline Responses
Alaska Airlines confirmed that their flight was initially cleared for landing but complied with air traffic control directives for safety. The airline noted that their pilots are trained for such situations.
FedEx stated its crew adhered to all air traffic control instructions and managed to land safely. This incident underscores the importance of communication between pilots and air traffic control in maintaining flight safety.
Conclusion
The investigation continues, with authorities working to ensure that safety protocols are followed. The cooperation of both airlines serves as a reminder of the complexities of air traffic management, especially at busy airports like Newark.
