A near-miss incident at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday night is under investigation by federal authorities, raising questions about air traffic control procedures at one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs. An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777 came dangerously close whereas attempting to land on intersecting runways, prompting an immediate review by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 294 highlights the complexities of managing air traffic in the New York City metropolitan area and the critical role of communication between controllers and pilots.
The incident unfolded as the Alaska Airlines flight, arriving from Portland, Oregon, was cleared to land. Simultaneously, a FedEx cargo flight originating from Memphis, Tennessee, was given clearance to approach an intersecting runway. Air traffic control then instructed the Alaska Airlines pilots to abort their landing – a maneuver known as a “go-around” – to avoid a potential collision. The FAA confirmed that the FedEx flight, designated Flight 721, was already on its final approach when the instruction was given. The quick thinking of the air traffic controller and the pilots of both aircraft averted what could have been a catastrophic event.
What Happened at Newark Airport?
According to the FAA, the Alaska Airlines flight was instructed to perform the go-around because of the FedEx plane’s approach to the intersecting runway. A go-around requires pilots to immediately climb and circle back for another landing attempt, allowing time to reassess the situation and ensure a safe approach. Alaska Airlines stated that its pilots are “highly trained for” such scenarios and executed the maneuver without incident. There were 171 passengers and six crew members aboard the Alaska Airlines flight. FedEx confirmed that its flight crew adhered to air traffic control instructions and completed a safe landing.
The NTSB announced its investigation on Thursday, indicating the seriousness of the event. The agency will focus on determining the sequence of events leading up to the near-miss, examining communication between air traffic control and the flight crews, and assessing any potential contributing factors. The FAA is too conducting its own independent investigation, a standard procedure following such incidents. The investigations will likely review radar data, voice recordings, and flight plans to reconstruct a detailed timeline of the event.
Intersecting Runways and the Challenges of Air Traffic Control
Newark Liberty International Airport, like many major airports, utilizes intersecting runways to maximize capacity and handle a high volume of air traffic. Still, this configuration introduces inherent complexities for air traffic controllers. Managing aircraft movements on intersecting runways requires precise timing, clear communication, and constant vigilance. Controllers must carefully coordinate landings and takeoffs to prevent conflicts and maintain safe separation distances between aircraft. The incident at Newark underscores the potential risks associated with these configurations and the importance of robust safety protocols.
Experts in aviation safety emphasize that human factors, such as fatigue, workload, and communication errors, can contribute to such incidents. While technology plays a crucial role in air traffic management, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring safety rests with the controllers and pilots. Regular training, adherence to standard operating procedures, and a strong safety culture are essential for mitigating risks and preventing accidents. The FAA has been implementing new technologies and procedures in recent years to enhance air traffic control safety, including automated alerting systems and improved runway monitoring tools.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Safety Concerns
This incident isn’t isolated. In February 2023, a similar near-miss occurred at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, involving a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines passenger jet. That incident also prompted an NTSB investigation and raised concerns about potential lapses in air traffic control procedures. The NTSB’s preliminary report on the Austin incident highlighted issues with runway incursions and the need for improved situational awareness among controllers.
The FAA has faced increased scrutiny in recent months regarding its air traffic control system. In March 2023, the agency temporarily grounded all departures nationwide due to a system outage, raising questions about the resilience and reliability of its infrastructure. These incidents have fueled calls for increased funding for air traffic control modernization and a comprehensive review of safety procedures. Stakeholders, including airlines, pilots’ unions, and passenger advocacy groups, are urging the FAA to prioritize safety and invest in technologies that can enhance situational awareness and prevent future incidents.
The investigations into the Newark near-miss are ongoing, and it remains unclear what specific factors contributed to the incident. However, the event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel and the critical importance of maintaining a robust and vigilant air traffic control system. The FAA and NTSB are expected to release their findings and recommendations in the coming months, which will likely inform future safety improvements and training programs.
Next Steps: The NTSB will continue its investigation, and a preliminary report is expected to be released within the next few weeks. The FAA will also conduct a thorough review of the incident and may implement temporary operational changes at Newark Airport to enhance safety. Passengers and aviation enthusiasts can find updates on the NTSB’s website and the FAA’s website.
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