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Close Call at LAX: FAA Investigates Near-Miss Between Private Jet and Commercial Flight

A harrowing incident at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday has sparked an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team came perilously close to crossing a runway as a Delta aircraft was taking off.

Averting Disaster

Air traffic controllers sprang into action, ordering the Key Lime Air-operated Embraer E135 jet to halt its approach. The pilots responded promptly, stopping the plane just short of the runway edge line. Miraculously, no one was injured in the incident.

The FAA’s Account

According to the FAA, “air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time.” The agency emphasized that the jet never crossed the runway edge line, thanks to the swift intervention of air traffic controllers.

Eyewitness Account

A plane-spotting livestream captured the dramatic moment, including audio of an air traffic controller urging the Key Lime Air flight to “stop, stop, stop.” The footage shows the plane coming to a sudden halt before proceeding after a brief pause.

Gonzaga’s Close Call

The Gonzaga University men’s basketball team was on board the private jet, en route to their game against UCLA on Saturday. Despite the close call, the team went on to play the Bruins at the Intuit Dome, ultimately losing 65-62.

A Human Error?

The incident has raised questions about pilot attention and fatigue. With the holiday season in full swing, it’s possible that the pilots were distracted or simply going through the motions. As one observer noted, “Pilots are human just like you and I… They clearly weren’t paying attention.”

A Lucky Escape

Fortunately, everyone on board the flights escaped unharmed. While the FAA investigation is underway, many are breathing a sigh of relief that the incident didn’t have more severe consequences.